The Mystic Nativity

This sparkling Christmas Musical brings Botticelli's magnificent painting to life once again. With the Set, Costumes and Staging inspired by Botticelli’s painting (on display at the National Gallery in London), Debbie Campbell's new script conveys the Christmas Story with Dialogue, Narration and Quotes from The New English Bible. It will be enjoyed by children of all ages for many Christmases to to come.

Seven scenes depicting the Christmas story culminate in a final tableau replica of Botticelli's painting, 'The Mystic Nativity'. This cross-curricular project involves, music, art, religion, history and language. Inspiring songs for solo and ensemble voices have added harmony and instrumental suggestions.

Cast: The list is flexible to accommodate variable numbers of available performers with fairly evenly distributed lines. There are approximately 40 speaking / singing parts; extensive Choruses of Choruses: Angels - 7 in white gowns, 7 in pink, 4 in brown, 2 in green; Shepherds; Sheep; Townsfolk; Travellers; Entourage; Demons make this musical entirely suitable for School Productions.

Performance Suggestions: The set, costume and positions of characters are based on those in the painting. Different levels can be achieved by the use of stage blocks and careful positioning. Alternatively, the musical can be performed as a choral work with a slide of the painting (available from the National Gallery, London) projected as a backdrop.

Eight songs and dances can be performed by soloists, groups or choruses, exploring a diversity of musical styles including Medieval, calypso, rock 'n' roll and simple two-part harmony.

Suitable for Key Stages 1-3 (ages 5-14). Cross Curricular Aspects include literature, history, geography, citizenship, religious education, music, dance, drama, art and design.