My dc's Nativity Play was a bit underwhelming

[stupidtobedisappointed]

I am ONLY writing this here because it's so petty and I couldn't bear to say it IRL... but it was my youngest's nativity today and it was so disappointing.

They had 'written it themselves' and there were 3 Mary's and a Pokemon. The children basically stood in a line on the stage and jostled each other to have a go at the microphone. Barely any singing. It was ten minutes long and just... so underwhelming. My oldest did a lovely one about an angel, even the recorded Covid ones were nicer.

That sounds really disappointing and like the teachers couldn’t be bothered tbh. Nativities are supposed to be really special. The children need direction at their age not to write it themselves surely?! I’d have to say something to the class teacher just to ask why it wasn’t more structured at least x

How old are they? Never experienced anything like this TBH, even when teachers try to make the children think they've written and developed it themselves, there's at least structure.

How bizarre. Can see why you would find it disappointing. Sounds lazy from the school, there are no end of nativities that you can buy from music publishers that come with backing tracks and parts for all kids.

P1 and P2 in Scotland. 4-7. I thought the same, that they would have 'written' it but the teacher would have strongly edited it lol.

What role did the Pokemon play?

I felt similar about my sons leavers concert last year it was only 20 minutes long! Very little thought put in it.

They had 'written it themselves' and there were 3 Mary's and a Pokemon. 🤣

Ours was a bit underwhelming too. I liked the songs, but I couldn’t catch most of the dialogue (except when the prompter said it). I also feel that the actors should have gone to the toilet before going on stage. But bless them, they are only aged 4-6.

I'm not really sure why the Pokemon was there tbh.

I've seen one genuinely decent nativity. They're all usually crap. Mumbling, shuffling about, nonsensical costumes and characters 😂. But I always love seeing the kids having fun!

Sorry I've nothing constructive to add, but this post reminded me of this 🤣:

waterfordwhispersnews.com/2015/12/16/pure-and-utter-shite-wwn-reviews-local-school-nativity-play/

They aren't supposed to be good OP. It's primary school not the RSC.

I think even I would have struggled with Pokémon in the stable though 🤔

And this 🤣 I see them shared a lot on socials this time of year
waterfordwhispersnews.com/2020/12/10/tragedy-as-parents-prevented-from-attending-school-nativity-play-due-to-covid/

This is why you can’t go wrong with a traditional 20 min Nativity story and these songs
Little Donkey
Away in a Manger
and round it off with We wish you a Merry Christmas.

This was all I wanted!

That is shit op.

Dd didn't make hers, see people sending in sick kids posts.

It was at 2 today, they cancelled it via fb at 130, due to head and other primary staff being absent! They then ran it as s dress rehearsals, with the people who didn't have or see fb present.....

So, primary one, howling, no mummies remembered.

Parents furious

No explanation to kids

Do it next week instead of Xmas party,

You couldn't make it up

We had upsie daisy angel.

basically an angel who couldn’t do anything write so all the other kids ridiculed her.

ds who’s 5 hated it, never did any singing etc and kept pulling faces on the stage

Right not write

That's terrible Spidereggs!

I’d rather underwhelming than overwhelming. I’ve got my DD’s nativity on Thursday and it’s an hour and a half long! They’re all 5-7. We’ve got the script and god knows why even with songs it’s going to take that long to get through.

They aren't supposed to be good OP. It's primary school not the RSC.

They are though.
They are supposed to be like @maddiemookins16mum said.
Yes, they will usually include some child doing something that is embarrassing for said child's family and hilarious for everyone else, but they are supposed to tell the Christmas story, and they are supposed to evoke some emotion in you.

It's the Nativity.

Watch out OP, they'll be doing the story of Noah's Ark And Spiderman next.

PMSL at the Pokémon.

It was DD's Nativity last week. The most exciting bit was an over-excited sheep accidentally throwing a smaller sheep across the stage. That was brilliant. DD gave an Olivier award-winning performance too, of course.

Sorry you were disappointed OP. I’ve just seen a video of Gds’ Nativity which was today in a lovely little local church. Dd and SiL not at all religious but it’s a C of E school. I was very impressed! They’re only year 2 but it was a proper Nativity with all the characters, and they sang several proper carols, inc. In The Bleak Midwinter. 👏👏 to all concerned.

Aw, that doesn't sound great, OP!

I wish nativities would just stick to the basic nativity story. You can never hear what any of the kids are saying, so you need a story that you already know. I know you need to dress it up a bit to give every child a part, but I want Mary and Joseph and a donkey, I want no room at the inn, Jesus in a manger, some angels, shepherds and kings, and a couple of songs. Feel free to add in some villagers or talking animals if you need more parts, but stop with the superheroes and Pokémon and random game show hosts.

And 20 minutes max. I'm sitting on a chair designed for 10 year olds, and I need to get back to work.

Good luck! Hopefully the 1.5 hours includes tea and coffee or something!