Overview
The logistical and emotional challenges that society has faced over the course of the last year have been innumerable, and even more so for schools trying their very best to keep teaching and learning going in the most trying of circumstances. Knowing that schools will want to keep things as ‘normal’ as possible, and recognising that the school nativity is very much part of that normality, “An Angel, A Star And A Stable” has been conceived to meet the needs of this new ‘normal’: a smaller cast, fewer songs, a shorter and editable script. But the content is as strong as ever, and we hope provides the case with a truly enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Synopsis
The cast welcome us to Bethlehem and invite us to learn why this little town has become so famous the world over (THIS IS BETHLEHEM).
Our narrators introduce us to the town of Nazareth over two thousand years ago. Mary, engaged to be married to a carpenter called Joseph, is visited by an angel, who tells us that she is to give birth to a son, a gift from God for the people, and that she is to call him Jesus. Mary is surprised, but has faith in God. Joseph is also surprised, but is told in a dream that all will be well.
Following the declaration of a census by Caesar Augustus, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem to be registered and counted (UNDERNEATH THE STAR THERE IS A STABLE). The journey is a difficult one, especially for Mary who is now heavily pregnant. They look for a place to stay, but all the rooms are already taken. Fortunately, an innkeeper takes pity on Mary and Joseph and shows them to a nearby stable that he owns.
Meanwhile, shepherds on the hills above Bethlehem are stunned at the arrival of angels, telling them of the birth of Jesus. They hurry to the stable to see him (BEAUTIFUL BABY). And they are not the only visitors: three wise men have travelled from the east to be there, and now offer their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh as the cast celebrate the arrival of Christmas (SPREAD THE JOY).
