New Nativity film to shoot soon

Catherine Tate has reportedly signed up to star in a new film offering a quirky new take on the Nativity story.

Producer Phillippe Rebboah says Tate will appear alongside Sharon Stone and singers Bette Midler and Pixie Lott in the film Sweet Baby Jesus, soon to begin shooting.

However, Chortle understands that the casting has not yet been confirmed, as Tate is due to be starring in a play at the time the film is being shot.

Production has also recently been hit by budget problems, according to industry website Irish Film and Television Network. The movie has lost its star Kim Cattrall and director Peter Hewitt, who previously helmed Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, while the filming location has been switched from Ireland to either the UK or Italy.

The movie sets the Biblical story in Seventies America, when pregnant hippy Mary – to be played by Lott – travels to her mother's house for Christmas in Bethlehem, Maryland. The pregnancy causes an uproar in the small town, sparking rumours about the second coming of Christ.

Midler will play innkeeper Eleanor, although it has not yet been announced what role Tate will play if she joins the cast. Sex And The City star Cattrall had been lined up to play Mary’s mother, the role now taken by Stone.

The film has been doing the rounds for four years, with Britney Spears first rumoured to be playing Mary as long ago as 2007.

Tate will next be seen in a big-screen version of Gulliver’s Travels, alongside Jack Black, James Corden and Billy Connolly. Here is a trailer:

Published: 16 Sep 2010