ARE YOU ONBOARD?

The queue for one of the 12 coveted places onboard the Ark is growing longer and more colourful by the day. Clare Rishbeth, one of the chief organisers of the voyage, has been picking through the application forms to find out who wants to play which Bible character and why.

INTERVIEWER TO CAMERA:

There's a excited sense of camaraderie amongst the biblical wannabes lining up to audition for the renowned Reality Internet Ark Project. I've heard Eve discussing aromatherapy with Mary Magdalene – both politely trying to ignore Job scratching his boils – while Samson and Jonah are vying for the beautiful Esther's attention.

But I'm not here simply to admire the cotton wool beards and fig leafs. I want to find out the story behind these 21st century enthusiasts who are hoping to set sail on the Ark. What's the attraction? Let's pass the microphone along the queue.

TURNS TO QUEUE:

So, can I ask what made you choose your character?

PERSON 1: I admire Esther for her bravery and loyalty... underneath the smoldering beauty and calm exterior there's more to be revealed – and I'm the person to reveal it.

PERSON 2: I hope that I would be like Paul, giving correction when necessary, and smackin' them hoes when they burn the toast.

PERSON 3: I would love to be able to speak to God like Moses did... and have the guts to talk back to him!

PERSON 4: John the Baptist stirs the pot a little, shooting off his mouth but looking for a greater experience out of life that means something. And anyway, his diet is appealing. [Note: no locusts will be harmed during the Ark Sailing.]

PERSON 5: Joseph is an interesting and likeable if intensely annoying person. Characters with failings who have the possibility of change are great fun to play.

PERSON 6: Elijah and I both tend to think that we alone know the truth. And we're quite good at throwing pity parties when things don't go our own way.

PERSON 7: I can imagine Eve being a little on the defensive side about the whole fruit-eating thing.

PERSON 8: Nebuchadnezzar is a man who can do anything he wants. How will he cope in the Ark, an environment that strips him of his normal arena for satisfying his will and ego? Neb is likely to be either the first one out or playing through right till the end.

INTERVIEWER TO CAMERA:

Wow, that's quite an explosive mixture! Already there's an exciting sense of people getting into character and enthusiastic about their chosen hero or villain. I smell Oscars.

Coming soon: What tempts people to battle it out for 40 days and 40 nights to win that first place on the podium?

Please note: the closing date for applications is 28 February 2003. Click here to apply for your place on the Ark.