AD/BC: A Rock Opera Poster

AD/BC: A Rock Opera 2004

★ 6.331 votes30 min📅 2004-12-21

AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004) delivers a gloriously offbeat musical take on the Nativity story, transplanted to 1972 and filtered through the lens of comedy.

Director: Richard Ayoade

Cast

Matt Berry
Matt Berry
Innkeeper / Tim Wynde
Julian Barratt
Julian Barratt
Tony Iscariot
Julia Davis
Julia Davis
Ruth
Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade
Joseph
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas
God
Noel Fielding
Noel Fielding
Shepherd
Tom Hillenbrand
Shephard
Karl Theobald
Karl Theobald
Shepherd
Lydia Fox
Lydia Fox
Wise Man
Lucy Montgomery
Lucy Montgomery
Wise Man

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004) about?

This quirky musical short reimagines the Nativity story in 1972, following an innkeeper whose plans for suicide are interrupted by a heavenly voice alerting him to Herod's impending arrival. With a rock opera soundtrack and comedic flair, it blends biblical themes with absurd humor.

Who directed AD/BC: A Rock Opera?

Richard Ayoade, best known for his work in comedy and music videos, directed this energetic and unconventional rock opera.

Who stars in AD/BC: A Rock Opera?

The film features Matt Berry, Julian Barratt, Julia Davis, Richard Ayoade, Matt Lucas, and Noel Fielding in standout roles.

Is AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004) worth watching?

While it's a niche short film, its unique blend of comedy and music makes it a standout for fans of offbeat cinema. The humor is sharp, and the musical numbers are surprisingly catchy—perfect for a quick but memorable watch.

How long is AD/BC: A Rock Opera?

The runtime is approximately 30 minutes.

About AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004) — A 1970s Rock Musical Twist on the Nativity Story

AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004) delivers a gloriously offbeat musical take on the Nativity story, transplanted to 1972 and filtered through the lens of comedy. Directed by Richard Ayoade, this thirty-minute rock opera follows the innkeeper's wild journey—from suicidal despair to divine intervention—as he navigates the impending arrival of Herod's entourage. With a soundtrack that swings from anthemic to absurd and a cast led by Matt Berry and Julian Barratt, the film blends cheeky humor with surprisingly heartfelt moments. The vibrant atmosphere crackles with energy, balancing irreverence against genuine warmth, while themes of fate, redemption, and sheer absurdity collide in this unique cinematic experience.

At its core, AD/BC: A Rock Opera reimagines a timeless biblical tale through the prism of '70s rock culture, offering a fresh twist on a familiar story. The musical numbers are as infectious as they are unexpected, and Ayoade's direction ensures every joke lands with precision. Whether you're a fan of off-the-wall comedies or just curious about musical shorts, this unconventional gem proves that even the most sacred narratives can be reinvented with style and wit.