Nativity story given magical new slant thanks to Horndean churches

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.

Among the drama productions that gave a fresh twist to the story was a touring production of 'Amos and the Grumpy Owl'.

The family-friendly show told the Nativity story from the perspective of an owl that was present in the stable. Worshippers from Blendworth, Chalton and Idsworth booked a performance of this magical play to take place at Merchistoun Hall, Horndean.

Artless Theatre Company staged the hour-long family-friendly show, which included elements of multi-media, puppetry and shadow theatre. It's part of a national tour that fits alongside the national Church of England's Christmas campaign this year, which is based on the theme of 'Joy'.

Among the audience was Arthur Allen, aged 7, who said: "I liked it when the man with the beard changed as it went along. He was grumpy and he became more happy. And the boy was really fun."

And Natalie White, who brought along her three-year-old granddaughter Myla, said: "We really enjoyed it. It was such fun and the fact that Myla sat there transfixed for an hour says it all."

Artless company director Christopher Poch, who also plays Amos, said the idea for the play came quickly. "I was looking at a Nativity set and suddenly had an image of a grumpy owl looking down and wondering why these people had invaded his space," he said. "After that, the words of the play came fairly quickly."

The company has staged the play over the past three years, and there is also an accompanying book telling the same story which can be ordered here.

For full details of what's happening in our local churches for Christmas, click here.