NATIVITY PLAY

I suppose you could try being very brave with this and doing as the curriculum suggests.
What's that I hear you cry!
Well, using familiar stories as a basis for drama creation is one of the main aims here and after
all what story is one of the most familiar to children - that of the Nativity.
Have a go at letting the children design their own drama presentation using the familiar story
and creating the dialogue, constructing sets, designing and making costumes
and even adding new characters.

Alternatively use a different version of the Nativity story as a basis for an invented drama
to which you might add appropriate songs/carols as you go along. My own particular favourite
version of the Nativity story is "The Grumpy Innkeeper" written by Nicholas Allan and originally
published as "Jesus' Christmas Party" ISBN 0-09-989120-4

The story starts as follows:

There was nothing the innkeeper liked more than a good night's sleep.
But that night there was a knock at the door.
"No room", said the innkeeper.
"But we are tired and have travelled night and day" said Joseph and Mary.
"There's only a stable round the back. Here's two blankets. Sign the register" said the innkeeper.
So they signed it 'Mary and Joseph'.
The innkeeper shut the door, climbed the stairs, got into bed and went to sleep.
But then later there was another knock on the door
"Excuse me, but I wonder if you could lend us another smaller blanket?" asked Joseph.
"There! One small blanket" said the innkeeper.
Then he shut the door, climbed the stairs, got into bed and went to sleep
But then a bright light work him up.
"That's all I need" said the innkeeper.
So he shut the door, climbed the stairs, drew the curtains, got into bed and went to sleep.
But then there was another knock on the door.
"We are three shepherds""
"Well, what's the matter? Lost your sheep" said the innkeeper.
"We've come to see Mary and Joseph" said the shepherds.
"ROUND THE BACK" said the innkeeper.
Then he shut the door............

Now have a go with the children at finishing the story.
How will the innkeeper cope with the angels, the kings and all the other visitors?