What's provided in all four nativities?
Similar information is included in each book in addition to the script, song words (in some) and musical scores (these include guitar chords and are around Grade 4-6 in piano-playing difficulty and lots are in E major). There's an introduction, synopsis, details of where to get an editable script (if you need to adapt it for your children), character list, scene breakdown and songs, song notes with staging ideas and various other useful hints and tips, from auditions advice to further learning opportunities. There are accompanying CDs that include all the songs with vocals and all the songs without (just backing tracks) so no pianist is needed. Overall, I felt the tempos were realistic but do use ABRSM's speed-shifter to slow them down if your children are struggling. The backing tracks are fun and the children I played them to did find them catchy and attractive. There's also a digital download version – don't forget to apply for your performance licence!
Stable by Starlight
by Niki Davies (age 3 to 7 years), £21.95
The first nativity I ever attended with one of my children was Whoops-a-Daisy Angel by Niki Davies. Her work is much-loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Her latest nativity is Stable by Starlight, which is a traditional nativity that features innkeeper, Joseph, Mary, shepherds, angels, animals, camels and kings. Apart from the narrator(s) – with young classes a teacher may need to take this role – all parts are very short sentences and easy to learn. There are just six scenes and seven songs – all 16 to 20 bars long with lots of repeated lines. I think this nativity will be popular with teachers wanting something accessible for even the youngest of children; it includes up to 50 parts. The songs are attractive, with the odd unpredictable melody patterns that provide just enough of a challenge!
The Inn Crowd
by Matthew Crossey and Tom Kirkham (age 5 to 9 years), £22.95
This musical is great fun! Lots of grumpy animals think they are ‘missing out’ on a party that is taking place in a nearby inn. All seems pretty miserable until they get some unexpected guests – and a bird's-eye view of the Christmas story. There's humour in this script, which, again, is very accessible with short sentences. It has got 54 speaking roles and can be used for up to a cast of 70. It lasts 35 minutes with seven songs and seven scenes. Catchy jazzy tunes but pretty heavily syncopated in some songs. Recommended for the top of Key Stage 1.
Hooray in a Manger
by Jane Carr and Geoff Lawson (age 5 to 9 years), £22.95
I love the main character here: Godfrey Humps, a camel with three humps. He's on his way to Bethlehem to see an amazing event, but he's also on his travels with shepherds, kings, angels and even sheep who are keen to see this special event too! There are 24 accessible speaking roles, but you can have a cast of 20 to 60 children, with nine scenes and seven songs (ideal cast is 40 children). The songs that are trickier to learn will not cause a problem because the children will love them so much.
The Amazing Advent Calendar
by Matthew Crossey and Tom Kirkham (age 5 to 11 years), £26.95
When Nicholas Mistletoe (the main character) is given an advent calendar (with no chocolate) he's not best pleased. However, as he opens the first window, he is whisked in time back to the Christmas story. This could be the perfect choice for a small school that wants to do a whole-school Nativity production. There are eight songs, with eight scenes; the entire performance lasts 50 minutes so the script is longer. It has 52 speaking roles but can be used for 30 to 80 children. There's lots of joy in the compositions and I like the opportunity for the odd solo, but also a bit of easy part singing. Do check the YouTube video for this musical.
