AS Christmas approaches your super Citizen has come up with a cracker of a special offer on tickets for the smash-hit Andrew Lloyd Webber show, Jesus Christ Superstar.

We have joined up with Leisure Parcs, owners of Blackpool Opera House, to offer 2000, yes 2000, tickets for the spectacular show at just £7.50 each - that's less than half price.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs until January 8, and the Citizen 2000 special offer is for performances between January 4-8. Call Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029 mentioning Citizen 2000 and receive up to four tickets per person at just £7.50 each on a first come first served basis.

William Byrne who plays Jesus has been chatting to the Citizen about the success of the religious rock opera at the seaside.

"It's been going very well in Blackpool," he said. "A lot of people pop backstage at the end of the night and say how much they like the modern feel to the production and the crucifixion scene is usually a favourite. We get a lot of letters too. "I have to say we haven't had a bad response so far and some people find it affirms their religious beliefs, especially at this time of year. But we don't set out to do that. It's nice to know we make an impression though.

"Mind you when my mum came to see me in Ireland it was all a bit much for her as the cross wobbles quite a bit sometimes, even though it's very safe." And what does Jesus do on his day off? "I have managed to get out and about around the town and taken in a few cabarets such as Funny Girls. I really enjoy relaxing and watching other artistes at work because it's not something I get to do very often.

"You never know I might just be back in Blackpool and I'd like to get my name on the board in the Opera House this time."

The call centre for tickets is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am-9pm, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and January 3, 10am-4pm, and is closed on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and January 2.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.