I never could resist a nativity play. They are usually performed by sweet little schoolchildren, so an adult version was something of a novelty for me.
Titled, The Shepherds’ Play, it was held in the dining room of The New Ivanhoe Hotel last night. All seats were taken by a large and appreciative audience. Narrator Sabine explained that the performance was inspired by the medieval style of storytelling in the countryside, joking that the cast were following that ancient tradition as ‘local yokels’.
And so the old Christmas story began.
Enter Joseph, aka Craig from Mitre Ten Hardware, and Mary. Joseph looked very serious as he pondered the nuts and bolts of their accommodation problem in Bethlehem.
One of the three kings brought milk for the infant Jesus, who was a bit cold and miserable. The rest of us were enjoying something a little stronger.
Without any urging the audience (even my shy husband) joined the choir throughout the play in singing those beloved old carols; Silent Night, The First Noel, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, etc etc. The whole performance only lasted about thirty most enjoyable minutes.
Thanks must go to all the actors and singers and to publican Kerrie Ray for providing the venue free of charge. I’m proud that the spirit of community is alive and well in Blackheath.
The Garage Players are part of the Blackheath Theatre Company. Do contact them if you would like to become involved in any way.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
