The Bramcote Nativity ‘The Star Safari’
Bramcote Village is the location for a spectacular outdoor Nativity drama, written by Pat Ashworth, directed by Julian Hanby and performed by a large local cast in celebration of the 150th anniversary of St Michael & All Angels parish church.
It’s a promenade play, where the audience follows the action and is part of the unfolding story in four of Bramcote’s best locations, including the pub garden at the White Lion in Town Street. The drama is in the robust spirit of the medieval Mystery plays, and costume and music are of the period – “Not a tea towel in sight,” promises Pat.
There’ll be a few surprises for the family audience on the three-quarters of a mile journey to the stable at Bethlehem, not least a show-stealing, life-size puppet created by Sue Pyecroft of Bamboozle Theatre. Costumes and props are being made by church and community members, and the project is being supported by Nottinghamshire County Councillors’ Divisional Fund and Broxtowe Borough Council’s Arts and Events team.
The show is on at 10.30am and 2.00pm on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December. It will take place whatever the weather. “We wouldn’t mind a bit of snow, especially at some key moments in the play,” says Pat. “We’re advising the audience to wrap up warm and wear some stout footwear, and we know they’ll enjoy the journey.” Frances Pearson (16), who is playing Mary, says of the play, “This isn’t the traditional Nativity we’ve all seen before. It’s an unmissable, unforgettable adventure, and I can’t wait for it to start.”
Medieval and Tudor Christmas music adds to the atmosphere, played on early instruments by the specially formed ‘Bramcote Pipers’ – Ray Wiseman, a lay reader at St Michael & All Angels; and Kate Billmore and Peter Barnard, who regularly perform as ‘De Mowbray’s Musick’ and ‘Lys St George’.
Tickets (£5 and £3) can be bought online at the Nativity site, www.bramcote.info , or reserved by phone (weekday mornings) from the church office on 0115 943 0137.
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