The Flint Street Nativity by Tim Firth

Mizzis Horrocks' class of seven year olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the proud mums and dads - and the occasional social worker. Squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles he's not a proper star like they have at NASA, Herod won't stop waving to his mum and dad and the subversive Innkeeper is determined to liven up the traditional script. And then the stick insect escapes... The children are played by adults, who later play their parents so the set changes accordingly to reflect the difference in scale. This warm, witty, funny play is an ideal alternative to the usual Christmas fare with original lyrics set to the tunes of the usual Christmas carols. It was first performed to critical acclaim at the Liverpool Playhouse. The music is available separately on hire.