FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY: Magical play will tell Christmas story
by the Rev Joy Windsor, priest-in-charge, Blendworth, Chalton and Idsworth
PEOPLE always say that Christmas is a magical time for families. Well, we can certainly provide you with a magical story for you to bring your children to.
We’re hosting the only local performance of a fantastic Christmas play, entitled ‘Amos and the Grumpy Owl’ on Saturday 20th December. It takes place at 6pm in Merchistoun Hall in Horndean.
It tells the story of a boy who gets lost in a snowstorm and seeks shelter with a grumpy man called Amos. The boy begs Amos to hear a story he wants to tell about a grumpy owl so desperate to get some peace and quiet, he almost misses the first Christmas.
The Artless Theatre Company will stage the show, which is based on a book of the same name and which is touring around the country this December. We’re really fortunate to have booked them for the Saturday before Christmas.
I’m told that the special effects are great, especially the snowstorm. And I can’t wait to see how they bring the grumpy owl and other animals to life.
You may have had experience of acting in a Nativity play, or seeing one performed. It’s always good to see the story of Jesus’s birth portrayed on stage – whether by small children or professional actors.
But what’s also good sometimes is to get a different angle on a story that we all actually know so well. It really helps to see the effect that Jesus’s birth has on other people. I’m pretty sure that’s what we are being promised with this production.
That then asks the question of us – what difference will it make to us this Advent and Christmas that a tiny baby was born in humble surroundings, who would go on to become our Saviour? That’s something that adults and children can mull on together.
The tickets are just £10 per adult and £5 for each child over three years old. You can book them via our website on: www.bcichurches.org.uk/amos-and-the-grumpy-owl. The tickets are not numbered, so seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance lasts around an hour, so you can take any small children back home to bed shortly after 7pm. We’d love to see you there and to help you to share the real meaning of Christmas with your little ones.
AMOS AND THE GRUMPY OWL
Saturday 20th December, 6pm
Merchistoun Hall, Portsmouth Road, Horndean, PO8 9LJ
Tickets: www.bcichurches.org.uk