Church hosts drama productions on a Christmas theme

Many churches choose to stage a version of the Nativity story during church services just ahead of Christmas Day. The story of Jesus's birth is often told using children themselves to play the parts of Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds and wise men.

And several churches hold special 'Live Nativity' events, with adults taking those parts and real animals from the Nativity stable being available for children to stroke. St Nicholas Bedhampton will hold such a Live Nativity event on Saturday, December 20 from 3pm-5pm (full details here), and a Scratch Nativity is being hosted by St Mary's Church, Rowner, from 2.45pm-5pm on December 23 (full details here).

Other churches lay on special extra drama events, some of which give a fresh twist to the story. Among them is the touring production of 'Amos and the Grumpy Owl', which tells the Nativity story from the perspective of an owl that was present in the stable.

Worshippers from Blendworth, Chalton and Idsworth have booked a performance of this magical play to take place on Saturday, December 20 at Merchistoun Hall, Horndean. Full details are here.

Harbour Church in Portsmouth has been hosting its 'Christmas Spectacular' since the church was first created in 2016. This year there were two performances at St Alban's Church, Copnor, of its hour-long musical production. It told the story of a pop band that sought power, popularity and wealth from becoming famous.

It ended with the disillusioned members of that band finding real purpose as they knelt beside a manger in a Nativity scene.

Among the cast was Arthur Gatrell, aged nine, who played the part of Joseph. He said: "I liked kneeling at the manger, and I like the story of the people having dreams of being famous."

The spectacular was written by the team vicar, the Rev Katherine Message. Members of the audience were given free mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies, as well as entry being free of charge.

Audience member Alice Worrall was one of dozens of parents who brought their children to see it. She said: "It was brilliant. I'm an old friend of Kath's so it came as no surprise to me that it was so good. I loved the Sparkle and Shine song. And it's great for your children to be given hot chocolate and sweets for free."

And around 400 people saw the latest pantomime staged by the Leigh Park and Warren Park Community Panto Players at St Clare's Church, Warren Park. Around 40 amateur actors performed Aladdin - the latest in a series of productions created by churchgoers and non-churchgoers working together to enhance community spirit.

The four performances featured the vicar, the Rev Jonathan Jeffery, as Widow Twankee, in a variety of unforgettable outfits. The performances also allow local families to experience their neighbours, family and friends performing panto, without a time-consuming or costly trip to a local city to see a professional production.

The experience prompted one cast member, Sophie Iles, to have her seven-year-old daughter Gwen baptised in church in the New Year. Both of them, as well as Gwen's 10-year-old sister Demelza, were among the cast of townsfolk. All were taking part for the first time.

"We have both really enjoyed being part of this panto," said Sophie. "I work for the council and so I got to know Fr Jonathan, and he invited me to be involved. I'd never done anything like this before, but the cast have been so welcoming, and it's been great to be able to perform among friends in this way.

"Gwen wants to go to a local church because of how friendly everyone has been, and we'll look at getting her christened in January."