Spotlight On: Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong
Spotlight on: Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong
Putting an eccentric spin on the traditional nativity play, Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong is a show unlike any other you’ll see staged this Christmas! Told from the perspective of a pack of party-loving camels, with witty dialogue and seven original songs from seasoned nativity storyteller Niki Davies, this is one of our funniest nativities for primary schools and a perfect way to round off the first term for younger students.
What Happens in Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong?
Spoilers ahead!
We open in the courtyard of a castle, where, unbeknownst to them, a bunch of carousing camels are about to witness an incredible event. When a special star appears in the night sky, the Magi spring into action and pull the camels away from their party. They don’t have the hump for long, though, as they set off for Bethlehem with their masters, herders and other helpers.
Meanwhile, in the faraway town, more camels are settling down for the night near a stable. Tired after trekking in for the census, they grumble about having to sleep outside their masters’ comfortable inn. But they soon forget their troubles when a young couple, Mary and Joseph, are led into the stable. Soon after, an enormous star, a group of shepherds and the Magi all arrive in search of a baby.
Everyone is eager to see the newborn, but — oh no! — camels aren’t allowed into the stable. Following much noisy protest, the camels are let inside and accidentally wake the baby. Thankfully, when they sing a special song just for Jesus, everyone is delighted. The camels are happy too when someone suggests celebrating with a party — after all, that’s what they do best!
What Can Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong Teach Us?
This unique take on the nativity story from The School Musicals Company is a great way to tell the tale anew and rediscover the important lessons that are sometimes overshadowed by other Christmas traditions. Introducing primary schoolers to the nativity through Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong connects the iconic events to feelings of awe and excitement as children experience the story for perhaps the very first time.
By staging Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong this Christmas, you can teach your students about:
- Faith – A strong sense of jubilation runs throughout this primary school nativity, recreating the excitement of the momentous night that Jesus was born. By being able to express their own enthusiasm through catchy songs and unforgettable characters, your students can start to understand the wonder and importance of the arrival of the Newborn King.
- Selflessness – When we first meet the camels, they’re absorbed in their favourite pastime — partying — and reluctant to help the Magi on their crucial journey. But once they arrive at Bethlehem and meet baby Jesus, they realise that there are bigger things in the world than their own wishes. By the end of the nativity play, our unlikely heroes are all too glad to have come along.
- Inclusion – Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong also teaches children that including others is always the right thing to do, especially when it comes to faith. While the camels are initially kept out of the stable where Jesus and His visitors are, they’re ultimately allowed inside to join the celebration and even contribute their own gift in the form of a special song!
Who should perform Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong?
Written for children aged 4–8, Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong would make the perfect first Christmas musical for KS1 students. The nativity has a 30-minute runtime — excluding adlibbing from your keenest performers! — which is an ideal length to keep your youngest actors engaged while giving them plenty of time to get into the Christmas spirit.
The script features 40 separate speaking parts, but should you need to accommodate a different number of performers, your bundle includes instructions on scaling the cast size up as high as 50+ and down as low as 26. Or, to extend or condense your show, simply add an editable version of the script to your order to make Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong your own!
Ready to Stage a Show to Remember?
Introduce students to the nativity story in a new way with Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong, the funny and inventive musical that’s sure to entertain and enchant primary school children of all ages. Party alongside Two Toes, Tumbleweed, Waffle, Tesla, Gobi and Lofty as they bring the Magi to meet baby Jesus and share in the magic of the virgin birth.
After something calmer or cosier? Check out our other KS1 Christmas musicals, such as Hushaby Nativity and Snuggle Up Stable, or explore our collection of KS2 nativities. Get in touch today for more details about our musicals or top tips on rehearsing, costuming and performing a primary school nativity play that everyone will love and remember!