Christian protesters are being urged to pray when a controversial play opens in Bradford on Monday night.

Jerry Springer: The Opera has come under fire on its national tour, and Bradford has been no different.

Religious groups in the city united against the "blasphemous" show since its arrival was announced last year.

A petition of more than 2,200 signatures was handed over to Bradford Council.

Despite pressure from Prayer for Bradford, and threats from Christian Voice, bosses at the Council and The Alhambra have refused to budge.

"We are disappointed that effectively the Council has not given us an answer in time," said the Reverend Nick Jones, vicar of St John's in Great Horton and spokesman for Prayer for Bradford.

"We thought handing our petition over in February gave them plenty of time. It was referred to the executive, but they don't meet until June, which is after the show is on in Bradford. We had hoped they would schedule an extra meeting."

The petition called for the show to be banned on the grounds it is offensive and denigrates the name of Jesus Christ.

The performances variously depict Jesus dressed in a nappy and at one point saying: "Actually, I am a bit gay."

Mr Jones has been given permission to leave a postcard on display at the theatre for the next week while the show's run is on.

The cards say: "Now that you have seen Jerry Springer: The Opera why don't you find out about the real Jesus?"

If the form is filled in and posted to the Christian Enquiry Agency, they say they will send a free magazine about the life of Jesus.

"We won't be demonstrating outside the theatre," said Mr Jones.

"I am hoping the publicity surrounding our petition will dissuade people from buying tickets. While we value freedom of speech and expression in our society, we also value courtesy and respect."

The musical is a parody of the talk show and contains thousands of swear words.

Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's head of arts, heritage and leisure, said the matter would be discussed at next month's executive.

She said: "We have invited Prayer for Bradford to come and speak at the meeting and they have said they will."

The original programming decision to include Jerry Springer: The Opera at the Alhambra was made by the head of theatres, Adam Renton. He said: "I think what's important is to look at this in the context of a 12-month period of programming.

"It's about putting on a varied and diverse programme of events that will attract a wide audience, and Jerry Springer is attracting a new audience into the venue."

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk