Page 2 of 27 The Simplest Nativity Play Ever by Angela Yardy of www.angelaspoems.co.uk

Parts required:

¾ Mary and Joseph : who could simply mime to the narration. Alternatively, there are very obvious cues and very simple rhyming lines for Joseph and Mary if they would like to say them for better effect. Whenever there are potential speaking parts for these actors, they are ¾ 2 Narrators typed in italics. The nature of the script is such that the narrator can ¾ Instructor (s) simply continue with these lines as the storyteller if the actors do not want speaking parts, or if you have a reduced cast, so any cast changes, Optional miming/speaking parts however last minute, do not need to change the script at all.

¾ 3 innkeepers The only rehearsal required is for the narrators: the actors just need to ¾ 2 soldiers listen and mime what is described, although a rehearsal will make this ¾ 4 shepherds easier and smoother!

¾ 3 kings Prompt cards are included at the end of the script for each individual ¾ King Herod part (page 14 to 22) so that even an unrehearsed play can include ¾ Gabriel speaking actors. The cues are simple and obvious (ie, “The innkeeper ¾ 3 residents listened, while Joseph said…”) Optional extra walk on parts Remember, if you adapt any of the actors’ lines you will need to change their prompt card too. Finally, printable ‘name tags’ for each ¾ (to dance) actor are at the end of the script (page 23 to 27). Put them around each ¾ Children actor’s neck to assist the director if required.

The instructor’s bold typed words are the instructions given directly to the actors, so if you have a reduced cast, simply omit the respective instructions in bold type and continue as a plain narration. I have made no attempt to split the narration so that it can be divided between as many narrators as you choose. The suggested songs/ are exactly that- just suggestions from the traditional hymns that I use. It would work just as well if you omit some, but your nativity play would obviously be much shorter! This script deliberately provides the freedom to include your own music, and each break in the script will be appropriate to any number of traditional and modern nativity songs relevant specifically to the shepherds, the angels, the kings, the baby in the etc., including any from my other nativity scripts.

Without songs, the script reads for 20 minutes; actors may slow this down a little, nerves will speed up the reading, and omitting the rhyming instructions to the actors would reduce the script to approximately 15 minutes. Songs/ hymns will extend it as much as you choose. Notes and directions Narrator Today, we have lined up a Christmassy treat. Traditional nativities are always sweet, But ours is quite novel; we’ll tell it in rhyme While some of the children will act it in mime. Feel free to take photos and videos too Omit if inappropriate or For God loves to share happy mem’ries with you. irrelevant. So join with us first as we start with a sing To welcome in , the king of all kings.

Suggested song/ “Come and join the celebration”

The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Page 3 of 27 or “O Come all ye faithful”

Narrator Let’s start with the moment in Luke, Chapter two, Which tells us what Caesar decided to do. He gathered together the soldiers of Rome And made a decree to send people home. (The census he’d take from the place of their birth Would help him to know what his empire was worth.) The soldiers unfolded a long, legal scroll Dictated by Caesar, the man in control. These are the words that the soldiers then read: The words that the emperor Caesar had said…. Soldier 1 We need you to register, each at his own Reading this from a Original birthplace…. Off you go, home! scroll (can say together Soldier 2 Caesar must know what his empire is worth if preferred) So register now at the place of your birth. Narrator Caesar of course had plans for himself…. To tax their belongings and increase his wealth! Now one man, called Joseph, (this man was a gem) Point to Joseph alternatively, Joseph can say (that’s me, ahem) Coughs the “ahem” He needed to travel to Bethlehem. Point to Mary He went with his wife, who was gentle and mild But heavily laden, as she was ‘with child.’ Though terrible timing, they had to endeavour ALL actors are given their To travel to Bethlehem, both together. instructions this way. If you do Instructor So Mary and Joseph will you start to walk? not have anSpeaking actor for to any actors part just And if you don’t mind we’ll (I’ll) continue to talk. omit the instructor’s lines. Narrator I’ll rewind a bit as they’re walking to town. Mary and Joseph walk I’ll tell of the day when an angel came down around as this is being And mentioned to Mary (an unmarried lady) told That she was expecting God’s very own baby! Of course she was worried, as you’d expect. Let’s face it; her marriage plans could have been wrecked! But thankfully Joseph was spoken to too So instead of creating a hullabaloo He stood by young Mary, knowing that she’d Been chosen by God; she was special indeed! Amazing, imagine; What would you have done If you’d been selected to raise God’s own son? Suggested song/hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Or “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” or “the Holly and the Ivy” or “Love came down at ” Mary and Joseph ‘arrive at Bethlehem’ just as the hymn finishes. The innkeeper(s) are in position ready to open doors. They listen to the narration and mime exactly what it says. If Joseph, Mary and innkeepers would like speaking parts they can listen for their cue and could even read the lines from a card, or the narrator(s) can read them while they mime. Instructor Now we’ll need the innkeepers ready and waiting? Talking to actors You’ll know what to do when you hear us (me) narrating. And Joseph, you’ll soon have some words to say As we watch you searching for somewhere to stay. The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Page 4 of 27 Narrator Anyway, back to the story in hand Where Mary and Joseph had reached his home land, And Mary was worried, expecting that soon The baby would come and they’d be marooned. SoAll quickly, narration her includes husband s imple,attempted specific to find actions Athat place the they actors could can rest,do, eg, so she’dknocking have on peace doors, of mind. They’dshaking travelled head, pointing, so far; it dragging was such feet a long etc. way They desperately needed a place to stay. And so Joseph knocked on the first door he found (allow them to do It opened ajar and a head popped around. actions) The innkeeper listened, while Joseph said Joseph “Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed?” Narrator The innkeeper answered Innkeeper 1 “I’m sorry, but no” Narrator Then pointed and said to them, Innkeeper points Innkeeper 1 “you’ll have to go!” Closes door Narrator So Joseph and Mary walked down the street Do actions Looking so tired, they were dragging their feet. If,They for anystopped reason at the(stage next fright, inn and ab senceknocked or choice) on the door.an actor doesn’t saTheny their Joseph own repeatedline, the narratorwhat he’d can asked say itbefore. as part of the storytelling. Joseph “Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed?” Narrator The innkeeper stood there and calmly said Innkeeper 2 “I’m sorry, we’ve nothing. Not one single one; Certainly not until some guests have gone” Narrator Without hesitation, he pointed away. Innkeeper points to AndAll ofleft the them spoken to find lines somewhere have printable else they prompt could cards stay. them to leave, then Soincluded, off went ready poor forMary you and to distJosephribute again, (see end of script closes door. Andpreview) knocked on another door down the lane. (Innkeeper 3 The innkeeper heard them and came to the door Innkeeper 3 answers answers door) And Joseph repeated what he’d asked before. door Joseph “Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed?” Narrator But sadly the innkeeper shook his head. Innkeeper shakes head (Depends if Mary Mary was desperate, she’d something to say or Joseph say the next lines.) (Joseph) (he’d more) Mary or “Please sir, we HAVE to have somewhere to stay. Joseph Anywhere, please sir, we really don’t mind. There HAS to be something, somewhere you can find.” Narrator The innkeeper thought, then pointed and said Innkeeper 3 “I suppose you could sleep in the cattle shed” Pointing to stable Narrator So Mary and Joseph walked over that way Innkeeper takes Mary And finally settled to rest in the hay. and Joseph to the stable And just in time too, for the very next morn and they settle down An amazing thing happened; yes Jesus was born! behind the manger Instructor So Mary, just pick up the baby and get Talking to Mary The cloth by his side, as you’re not finished yet. Baby doll should be Now, just listen carefully and do as I say waiting with a cloth And later you’ll lay him to sleep in the hay. alongside to be wrapped up in.

The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Page 5 of 27 Narrator So… holding him closely and safe in her hands Waits for Mary to wrap She wrapped him up warmly in swaddling bands, up baby. Then laid him to sleep in a manger bed Where usually all of the animals fed.

Suggested song/hymn “Away in a manger” Or “Born in the Night Mary’s Child” The shepherds, Angel Gabriel and the other angels get ready for their part (if you have any). They listen and mime to the narration, doing the actions as they are described. If they would like to have speaking parts they can be given the appropriate lines on cards, or the narrators can say them instead.

Instructor Now shepherds, it’s your turn to listen this time Talking to shepherds So just act out everything we say, in mime. Narrator Now up in the hills, one fabulous night, Some shepherds looked up and saw a bright light. And one of them said as he looked to the skies Shepherd 1 “The light; it’s blinding me…Cover your eyes” Shield eyes Narrator TheEach shepherds of the shepherds were fr hasightened; a simple what line couldto say itlike be? this, and the narration includes clear actions to do No-one could tell – it was too bright to see. They huddled together like frightened lambs, Do actions And shielded their eyes with shaking hands. Then up in the sky, way overhead, All of a sudden an angel said: Angel “Do not be afraid, I bring news of great joy: Gabriel Your Saviour’s been born as a baby boy. You’ll find him in Bethlehem, laid in a bed Made of a trough, in a stable shed.” Even an impromptu angels’ dance is scripted Narrator The shepherds were dazzledin if and you glued choose to theto use spot, it. Instead, or as well When all of a sudden – you’llas, there never is guessan opportunity what. for your own angel A whole host of angels gathereddance using around your own music. Making a beautiful praising sound: “Glory to God and peace to all men Christ the Lord’s born in Bethlehem”

Suggested song/hymn “While Shepherds watched”

Narrator Back to the angels and shepherd’s that night…. Omit these 2 lines if The angels were pure and dazzlingly bright. you went straight through without a song. Instructor Now angels, we need you to listen and try Talking to angels. To do what we say, you’ll soon see why. Narrator They danced and they twirled with such beauty and grace. Angels do actions as A vision of loveliness filled the place. per narration They held hands and circled around to the right: It was a beautiful, heavenly sight. Then after a while, they all let go Omit these two lines if you And everyone stood up on their tippytoes have no angels dancing. They lifted their hands, and raised them up high Then all looked up to the evening sky. At this point the angels could sing a song of their own, or you could have some music playing for them to dance to or you could continue straight on with the next part of the script.

The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Page 10 of 27 OPTION A : Christian message

Narrator We all get nice gifts and enjoy meeting friends But sometimes, in truth, is that where Christmas ends? For God sent His son for a far better reason Than simply to have a great time at the season. Go back to the bible, John 3, verse sixteen And think about what Christmas really does mean. I’ll open my bible, and read it from here You’ll find that His purpose is perfectly clear…. Narrator (No longer John Chapter 3 verse 16 speaking with rhyme For God sent his only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not and rhythm, perish but have eternal life. but reading from bible) Amen

OPTION B : General message Narrator It’s good to enjoy all the presents and fun But at the same time, when all’s said and done ForThere every is agift choice given, of theremessage must to be bring a giver; the nativity play to end, dependant on whether Weyou all need need a generalto think messageof what weor acan biblical deliver. one, as this same script can be used in a Whatchurch could nativity we do, service, what partas well could as inwe a play, school or any other nativity play. To brighten up Christmas, or just someone’s day? So please think about it, let’s all play our part To give what we can and warm someone’s heart. No money is needed, just thoughts that are kind And gentle, which lovingly bring peace of mind. Then just as the angels brought news of the birth, We can bring pleasure and joy to the earth.

Suggested hymn: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come” or “Love came down at Christmas”

* The nativity story has been acted out so often that we rarely read the story of Christ’s birth straight from the bible and assume that we know the story. • In reality, the book of Luke (Chapter 2) tells the story of Jesus’ birth and shepherds visiting the stable having been told by the angels that they would find the baby in a manger. However, Luke doesn’t mention the kings. • Matthew Chapter 1 tells of the birth, but doesn’t mention the shepherds visiting. Chapter 2 goes on to say “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem….” And then tells the story of the kings visiting him and his mother in the house where they were staying (I understand that this was actually when Jesus was a couple of years old.) • Tradition has combined the 2 stories into one for the traditional nativity, which I usually stick to for the sake of ease, but it’s good to be educated too in the meantime!

Whilst this is the end of “The Simplest Nativity Play Ever” it has become my tradition to include an optional “Roll Call” poem for the cast to use to bring the play to a natural end, and give them their own ‘special moment.’ The next page therefore contains a purpose written roll call poem for the cast to use, even if they have been enrolled without rehearsal, as the instructions are built into the poem in keeping with the style of the script. Feel free to use it or omit it as suits your purpose: The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Page 13 of 27 For your ease, I have provided the following CASTING LIST, which should help to allocate parts easier.

¾ Of the following characters the bold type are the crucial parts, although the narration can be led by adults.

¾ The lines that are allocated to the characters in italics can all be re-allocated to narrators or voiceovers even at the last minute without any script alteration, so these characters can be speaking or non-speaking parts. The narrator could double up as instructor if necessary.

If you choose to allocate some or all of the characters in italic as speaking parts, the lines are provided on script prompt cards following this cast list. These script cards make it possible to do a nativity service relatively spontaneously, without the actors needing to rehearse. You could even be very brave and do a community service inviting people to join in on the day by arriving an hour before to get into costume and be given their prompt card. I would recommend that the narrators be well-rehearsed and able to take charge if you perform the nativity in this way. The script is written such that the instructions for the performers are all built in. No. of rhyming lines Child actor’s name Script Notes Character if unchanged prompt cards Narrator 4/8+10+8+12+11+1+1+4+ Use script Share out lines 1+6+2+1+4+4+3+6+6+2+ as you choose 8+6+3+6+2+5+2+3+2+5+ 1+5+2+7+4+5+9+1+4+10 +6+2+ 8 or 12(choice of endings/moral provided) Narrator 2 1+2 Use script Joseph 1 (x3) (+ 3 if Mary doesn’t speak) Yes Mary 3 Any or all of these Yes Instructor’s rhyming 2+4+4+2+2+2+2+4+8+6+ actors can be Use script instructions to actors 6+6 omitted and their Roman Soldier 1 2 (or all 4 together) lines said by the Use scroll Roman Soldier 2 2 (or all 4 together) narrator as part of Innkeeper 1 1+1 the story so the Yes script will not be Innkeeper 2 2 Yes reduced. The Innkeeper 3 1 Yes prompts for each Shepherd 1 1 line are obvious Yes Shepherd 2 3 (eg The innkeeper Yes Shepherd 3 1 (x3) listened while Yes Shepherd 4 5 (or all shepherds say together) Joseph said…..) Angel Gabriel 4 Printable prompt Yes Bethlehem Resident 1 2 cards are provided Yes Bethlehem Resident 2 2 for each cast Yes Bethlehem Resident 3 1 member (see next Yes Voiceover/ 2+3+1+2+2 page of preview Use script narrator/ for example) shepherds King 1 5+1+(1 altogether) Yes-attach to King 2 1+(1 altogether) Yes-attach to King 3 1+(1 altogether) Yes- attach to Herod 3 Yes

The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Print on card to use as script prompts/ cue cards for an unrehearsed cast. An example of the printable prompt cards Joseph provided. If you intend to use these, I suggest Joseph’s cues to speak are : that you print the first 1) The innkeeper listened, while Joseph said…. 14 pages of the script on 2) Then Joseph repeated what he’d asked before. paper and then print the 3) Then Joseph repeated what he’d asked before. rest (ie, all the prompt cards and name labels) JOSEPH’S LINE EACH TIME IS: on card separately.

“Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed?”

The next lines can be taken by Mary: Final time narrator says Joseph was desperate, he’d more to say

JOSEPH’S LINE:

“Please sir, we HAVE to have somewhere to stay. Anywhere, please sir, we really don’t mind There has to be something, somewhere you can find.”

Mary (these lines could be given to Joseph instead) Narrator says Mary was desperate, she’d something to say

MARY’S LINE:

“Please sir, we HAVE to have somewhere to stay. Anywhere, please sir, we really don’t mind There has to be something, somewhere you can find.” Innkeeper 1 Narrator says The innkeeper answered INNKEEPER’S LINE.. “I’m sorry, but no” Narrator says…. Then pointed and said to them.. “you’ll have to go!” The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com For an unrehearsed cast, print these name tags on card for cast to wear around their neck to assist director. JOSEPH If you choose to do the play completely unrehearsed, these name tags are provided for your spontaneous cast. Just print them off and put string around them so that each actor can wear it around their neck to assist the director (Obviously, take care with any younger children. You may prefer to wear them as big badges or use sticky labels.) MARY

INNKEEPER 1

INNKEEPER 2

The Simplest Nativity Play Ever Copyright Angela Yardy 2013 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com