General Chat

Hi Daniel, I wish I could quote the title of the poll, but a recent poll did state otherwise. Perhaps the discrepancy is explained by a lot of people (myself included in my younger days) putting 'C of E' next to religion as that's what their parents did. I think some people may not realise that you can actually put 'none'. Lisa, the 'Jesus in a nappy' is part of a fantasy/dream sequence, where Jerry is in purgatory and the moral arguments for and against his kind of tv are put forward. I don't watch it, but I understand that Sacha Baron Cohen has had plenty of airtime devoted to his ridicuous protrayal of Ali G and of a Muslim tv reporter. I find this offensive--but I turn off or switch channels and don't object to anyone else enjoying it. As I said before I am sorry if you were offended but it is your right to change channels and, as a licence payer too, it is my right to watch the occassional piece of satire on tv. Judging from the response here, most people seem to agree that the BBC was right to screen the show--especially as it did contain very clear warnings. Sally (not Sandy)

The majority of this country are Christians. The 2001 Census collected information about ethnicity and religious identity. Combining these results show that while the population of England and Wales is more culturally diverse than ever before, White Christians remain the largest single group by far. In England and Wales, 36 million people (nearly 7 out of 10) described their ethnicity as White and their religion as Christian.

sandy with all due respect i do and i for one found it highly offensive.i feel that the christian religion is sometimes made into a laughing stock and in this case it has.what is so funny about dressing jesus in a nappy ?

Lisa, I have a Muslim friend who tells me he is offended every day by assumptions people make about him, his family and their beliefs. They are tired of being stereotyped, particularly after 9/11. No-one is arrested or imprisoned for that. People have a right to express their opinion, and to have that opinion represented, unless of course these opinions break the law. I am sure that the BBC will have checked the law to make sure it was not being contravened. This is the 21st century, and 20 % of people in a recent poll do not believe in any God, so perhaps it is time that the blasphemy laws are updated. I have every respect for your religious beliefs, as I hope you do for my humanist views. If you read the letters page of Radio Times this week, you will see that there are some churchgoers who are a little more open-minded about the show and could look beyond the media coverage and see it as a work of art. Despite the majority of this country being non-Christians, the Christian church is well represented on tv--'Songs of Praise', 'Heaven and Earth', 'My Favourite Hymns'--amounting to around 3 and a half hours every Sunday. I could say this is prejudiced against non-Christians, but I don't. I fully respect your right to watch the kind of tv that represents your beliefs. 'Jerry Springer--the Opera' was one 2 hour programme late on a Saturday night, which gave plenty of warnings about its content. Those who enjoy art, satire, and yes, a little blasphemy, pay our licence fees too and are entitled to be represented.

i agree dan but in the real world they would so not to offend a them.i thought they have brought out a law that if you offended someone either through colour ,race or religion then you could get 7 years in prison.in harsh reality the man that produced the show should be behind barsxxxxx(:

I don't think they should ban a muslim one if one did exist. We shouldn't ban one just because they would ban another. I personally would allow all types and if people don't like it they can turn the channel over.

sally what about the religious side.if it was taking the mickey out of islam they would have banned it straight away.xxx(:

I went to see JERRY! last night! It was fab--the funniest musical I've ever seen! For anyone seriously considering going--do! As long as you know what to expect you will love it! I can see why people are offended, though I absolutely agree with the beeb screening it--as do four out of five of their viewers, it seems. In the show's defence, underpinning the humour is a very moral message. Yes there is an awful lot of swearing, but then there is in everyday life. I actually find the real Jerry Springer more offensive than the musical--the musical is clearly very critical of Springer and the kind of tv he presents. There were some incredible performances--and the tap dancing Klans-men cracked the whole audience up! And yes Bob, as you suspected, there wasn't a single protester at the theatre. They were obviously home watching tv!

daniel saw it last night and to me it was offensive to the christian religion.alot of swearing and jesus in a nappy fighting with the devil how obscene.if it was taking the mickey out of another religion like the muslim religion then they would have taken it off straight away.isn't there a law that has been brought in to state that if anyone says anything or does anything to offend any colour ,creed or religion could face up to 7 years in prison.well why haven't they been arrested?xxxxxxx):

I enjoyed it. Perhaps there was a little over use of the swearing but even if it you cut it down it would still be too much for some. Were they trying to say Jerry Springer is just like God? Listens to eveyone's problems.

Watched the show last night, l would say that if you enjoyed the tv version then book up to see the show it is much better at the theatre.

I didn't watch the programme, nor have I seen the show. But I would ask, why havn't all those that object to it being on TV been objecting at the cambridge Theatre? What is the diference beween TV and live performance if they think the subject mater is so bad? Bob

I watched it and had to contact a certain website to thank them for objecting - otherwise I may not have watched it - not beng a particular fan of Jerry Springer. Hilarious - and with a moral!!!!!! and both Jesus and Satan were black LOL Oh, and Jesus was in a loin cloth - not a nappy! I just loved the Klu Klux Klan tap dance! maggie (BA (Hons) in religious studies)

Hi Harold, Jerry Springer isn't in the musical and the show isn't a tribute to him--it's a satire on that kind of tv and those kind of people. I agree it's probably not for you though! I'm taping it as I want to see the show first. Lion King was fab by the way!

What a load of rubbish

NO I wont be watching Sorry Im not a Guardian reader!!

Nudge

I saw the show last year and l enjoyed it, recommend it to anybody, who doesnt mind swearing and blasphemy, lol

My son (same age as Daniel) is desperate to see this tonight! He's seen the TV show a few times and can't believe what grown adults will do to each other lol! Mandy :)

I don,t see why any body wants to see Jerry Springer,My opinion of him is,He,s a Prat,A rich one ,But still a Prat.Making money out of peoples predjudices or failings,Stinks. Hal.