The Nativity - A very respectful comedy
Simon is a very poor apprentice carpenter. He's managed to chisel the end off Joseph's finger and the things he makes bear no resemblance to what they're supposed to be.Being a danger to himself, and everyone else around him Joseph has no choice but to let Simon accompany him and Mary as they travel to Bethlehem for the census.Meet the Innkeeper and his somewhat unusal wife. Discover what the Roman's did for fun at Christmas before there was Christmas. Hear the unusually talkative animals! Listen to angels as they squabble! Goggle at King Herod's crazy proclamations! And of course marvel at the original Christmas story.
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further information:
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This show has 8 Christmas carols... |
The CD contains 8 tracks - each of the carols is beautifully arranged in a key that is easy for children to sing. |
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| Simon – a carpenter Mr Whiskers – Simon’s cat Joseph Mary Neddy – a donkey |
Innkeeper Mrs Innkeeper Census taker Gabriel Michael Uriel Raphael |
Marcellus – a Roman guard Gordian – a Roman guard Herod Xerxes – Herod’s chamberlain |
Melchior Caspar Balthasar Sarah Ruth } shepherdesses Martha Arnold – a sheep Some sheep |
Brucie – an ox Leon – an ass A mouse |
Cast: 26 characters plus some optional sheep, with scope for extra non-speaking parts and a chorus.
An extract from Scene 2 - Preparing for the journey to Bethlehem
| Simon: Hello again. This is Joseph and Mary’s place. Nice, isn’t it? I’ve just popped over to bring this suitcase – my mum’s lending it to them. What do you mean suitcases haven’t been invented yet? The nativity didn’t take place in a school hall, but that doesn’t seem to be bothering you. Things have been very busy for the past few months. Mary is nearly due, and they have to go on a journey to Bethlehem. (Enter Mary. She is now very obviously pregnant.) Mary: Oh, bless you Simon. Just leave it there. (Simon puts the suitcase down.) Simon: So how far is Bethlehem from here? Mary: About five days travel. Simon: That’s a long walk. And why do you have to go to Bethlehem? Mary: It’s Joseph’s birthplace. The Roman emperor has ordered a census and every man has to return to his home town and register. Simon: Those blooming Romans! Are they paying your expenses? I bet they’re not. And you’re in no fit state to travel. Mary: I’ll be okay. Joseph is out buying a donkey so that I don’t have to walk. Simon: A new one? Mary: No – a used one. |
Simon: Well I hope he’s gone to someone trustworthy. My uncle bought a donkey from a used-donkey salesman and when he got it home he found it was only the front end that was a donkey; the back end was a cow. You couldn’t steer it to save your life. But the milk was delicious! (Enter Joseph with Neddy.) Joseph: I’m home! Mary and Simon, I’d like to introduce you to Neddy, our new donkey. Mary and Simon: Hello Neddy. Neddy: Hello. Simon: Do you have a cow’s bottom? Neddy: A cow’s...? I’ve never been so insulted! Joseph: Yes...well...I’m sure Simon didn’t mean to insult you, did you Simon? Simon: I was just checking. Mary: He’s quite talkative for a donkey, isn’t he? Do they usually talk? Donkeys, I mean. Simon: (To the audience) Some of us are better at suspending disbelief than others. |
