(a) Hilarious
(b) Needing of the MN Gavel
OK , it was lovely as they always are, I cried lots at the acting and the singing and the little innocent children as you do. Especially the angels with their snow-white robes, tinsel and filthy mud-stained trousers and trainers.
And some of the voices were wonderful and it was very inclusive.
The staff and children all worked incredibly hard too, I could tell. Concerts were my thing as a teacher.
However, several things made my jaw drop and I'd like to know if they are usual for Christmas plays aimed at children from 5-11.
Firstly, the child playing Mary was draped in a green school tapestry curtain. I may well be culturally biased here but after 38 years of Our Lady in blue it struck me as odd.
Secondly there was a scene from the Gospel which is usually overlooked in school plays following the lovely one where Mary accepts that she is going to be the Handmaiden of the Lord.
It had its own scenery - Joseph's bedroom, where he ruminates about the parentage of his betrothed's offspring and considers not marrying her.
"Surely she could have thought of a better excuse" says he!
Then follows a song from Joseph's POV saying that he'll be a "Dad" to the Christ Child. Sung by the infants
All the nativities I've ever seen have diplomaically skimmed over this bit. It isn't necessary surely, Joseph is naturally as pleased as Mary that she is carrying a Special Baby surely? No need for Jeremey Kyle and his all-important DNA results at Christmas! Perhaps it's the modern way.
Fast forward to the scene with the shepherds on the hillside.
Shepherd 1: The sky looks so different tonight, a strange kind of light, as if anything could happen...
Shepherd 2: Have you been eating those mushrooms again?
Accusing poor Reuben of having been at the old fermented grape juice isn't enough?
Go on tell me, was it or ? I'm undecided.