Extra security will be available to deal with any problems caused by Christians protesting outside an Oxford theatre which is staging a controversial opera.

Crowd control was employed at the New Theatre, in George Street, for the opening night of Jerry Springer: The Opera on Monday.

Christians from churches in Oxford, and from the national organisation Christian Voice, have described the play as offensive to God and plan to demonstrate every night this week while the show is on.

Joel Barnett, a spokesman for the theatre, said: "The extra security was just for the opening night. We do have security on call, so if anything does happen, we can easily contact them."

He added: "Our theatre is committed to presenting a rich and diverse programme of arts and entertainment throughout the year.

"Jerry Springer: The Opera is a multi-award-winning show, and is currently enjoying a hugely successful run.

"It's not our job at the Oxford New Theatre to act as censors, and we ask the theatre-going public to come and see the production to make their own minds up.

"We're delighted to present the production in Oxford, however, if Christian Voice wants to mount a demonstration outside the theatre, this is their choice."