Christmas Production (Whole School)

Every year the children perform some sort of Christmas Play. Over the years this has taken on different forms from work divised by the staff to commercially written work. We decided in 2000 that the children should devise the work themselves in drama sessions. The teachers each took a different part of the Nativity and explored the events with the children using Context Drama. One class did the Nativity tableau.

Below is the script that the children 'wrote' in these sessions- all the words are their own.

The Census - Mr Taylor's class (Yr 2/3)
The children explored what it would have been like to be made to travel vast distances in order to be 'counted' by an occupying force.

Caesar
I order you to make all the jews in Israel go back to the place they were born, and fill in a census form. I need to know all their names and addresses so I can get more money off them!

Group of jews
We are fed up with this and my children are ill. My children are hungry and weak and our cupboards are empty and we have no food. I think we should hide our money underground. We only have bread and water and we are ill and dying. The Romans have taken all our food and we are ill and dying. We are ill and some of us are dying because we have no food at all. We are terrified. We only squash and crumbs of bread to eat. The soldiers have taken all our money. Our cupboards are empty. My babies are hungry and ill. We are terrified and my babies are scared. When I fill in the census form I'll do it and then run away and live somewhere else. All of our money is gone. And I have only got crumbs of bread. All of my things are broke and my baby is crying.

Roman soldier
Oi! You lot! Over 'ere!

The Inn - Mrs Fraser's class (Yr 1)
The children discovered what it would feel like to be left out on the street

Innkeeper(s)
There's no room you'll have to sleep in the street!

Visitors in Bethlehem for the Census
Oh no! It's raining, we'll all get wet. It's not like a real bed. All the doors are shut. Where can we go to the toilet? What on earth are we going to do?

Innkeeper(s)
Oh alright, come on in then.

The Angels - Ms Barwick's class (Yr 2/3)
The children discuss the existence of angels.

Shepherds
I wonder if there are any wolves about. I hope not, they'll get our sheep. There might be.........What's that bright light? Wow! Look at that bright light! Wow! What was that?

Angel
Do not be afraid. I've got some good news. There's a special baby born in Bethlehem and you need to come and see him. He's God's son.

Shepherds
What was that? Where did it come from? This isn't what normally happens. Was it a vision? Was it really true? What was that bright light? Why did the angel come to us? She must want us to see the baby. It must be true. We'd better go straight away to Bethlehem. It's not true. I'm not going. I might get lost. If we move we'll be cold. Let's hurry up and get to Bethlehem. This is exciting. I can't wait to see the baby. I can't wait to see what he looks like. Let's go! Maybe it is true. Maybe I should go......

The Kings - Miss White's class (Yr R)
The children wonder what the Kings' companions made of this long and grueling journey, following a star.

Kings' companions
Is everyone still with us, kings, shepherds and english people? Why do we have to take all these people with us? Because we've got all the boats and camels and they've got none. Everyone needs to see Jesus because he's special. How will we know where he is? Mary left a note telling us where they would be. Why don't we just follow that star. Has everyone got their presents? Nappies and Baby Wipes. Soft toys and blankets Gold Frankincense and Myrrh. Why do we have to go on this journey? Jesus is really special because he's the Son of God. Are we ready now? What if my camel runs off? We'll tie him to mine. Come on!

Townspeople of Bethlehem - Ms Cornish's class (Yr 1)
The children wondered whether the people of Bethlehem would believe all they heard.

Townspeople
Have you heard about that baby born in the stable? Yes, they say he's the Son of God. How could God make a baby? And what about those angels? No, I've never seen any angels. But they saw their wings. They can't have been dreaming 'cause they weren't asleep. I don't believe he's the Son of God. He must be 'cause his name is Jesus. God made him in heaven. Let's go and see. I don't believe it, I'm staying here, but you can go. Come on then, let's go and see Jesus.