George Austin remains a staunch opponent of the Church of England's more liberal elements and during his time as the Archdeacon of York he was a stern opponent of women's ordination as well as an outspoken critic of clergy taking a soft line on homosexuality.

However, he will show a lighter side to his character when he plays a newsreader in a production of Return to the Forbidden Planet, an eclectic musical fusing elements of William Shakespeare, rock and roll and pop culture.

Mr Austin will appear on a video screen dressed in a tuxedo and bow tie to explain the show's labyrinthine plot in a role played in previous productions elsewhere by Sir Patrick Moore and Ricky Tomlinson.

The latest production will be staged at St Luke's Church in York, where he has been a member of the congregation, along with his wife, Bobbie, since retiring from the post of archdeacon in 1999.

The Diocese of York's communications director Martin Sheppard will also be appearing in the show as a mad scientist, Dr Prospero, who is loosely based on the magician character of the same name in Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Mr Sheppard said: "George may have been seen to be outspoken during his time as the archdeacon, but he is, like all of us, certainly not a one-dimensional character.

"We are thrilled to have him on board for the production."

The play is being staged by the Sunnydene Players, the dramatic dimension of St Luke's Church, and follows previous shows which have included the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and a compilation of numbers from West End musicals last year.

Return to the Forbidden Planet is the players' 21st annual production since 1988.

Performances at the church in Burton Stone Lane will take place tomorrow and Friday at 7.30pm.

Further shows will be staged at 3pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets cost £6 and £5 for concessions, and are available by calling 01904 655751 or on the door subject to availability.