A BBC TV special looking behind the scenes at the York Millennium Mystery Plays in York Minster, will be broadcast next week.

The Creation documentary followed some of the 200 local actors and musicians as they prepared for the ambitious production.

It will show how the historic staging posed a number of huge logistical problems for the organisers particularly with the crucifixion scene.

The film crew followed North East actor Ray Stevenson, who is playing Jesus, as he went for his "cross fitting" and then the full horror as the production team discover that the cross is too heavy for him to carry.

Director Gregory Doran was reluctant to give too much away about the theatrical wizardry that will see Ray performing safely from the cross high up within the nave of the Minster.

He said: "In York, there is huge affection for the mystery plays. They are very much part of the cultural life of the city. I believe we've got some of the very best people working with us and this will be an event that York - and indeed the country - can be proud of."

The cameras also follow the fortunes of three local amateur actresses, from audition to the eve of the big night.

Sarah Jane Wolverson, 22, a university graduate from Poppleton, York, plays a "feisty" Mary Magdalene.

She said: "Feisty women are more fun and get to fight back rather than just weep a lot."

Vicki Sampson, 17, of Acomb, plays Noah's daughter-in-law.

She said: "When I was auditioned my teeth were chattering and I had butterflies in my stomach. I couldn't believe it when they offered me the part."

Teacher Julie Craggs plays Mary, mother of Christ and will also feature in the documentary.

She said: "It's been brilliant. I said to myself that I wanted to do something special for the year 2000. What could be better than performing in the mystery plays in York Minster?"

The Creation will be aired on BBC 2 on Thursday, June 22, at 7.30pm - the opening night of the Mystery Plays.

See our souvenir Mystery Plays supplement with tonight's Press