Joe Carpenter & Son An English Nativity

 Joe Carpenter & Son is based on the book ‘Joe Carpenter and Son - A Very English Nativity’ written and illustrated by Graham Clarke, directed by Caroline Smith and is a modern day take on the traditional nativity story.  It is written in rhyming verse and delivered in the style of a ‘Mystery Play.’  The audience were initially requested to assemble at the church hall on one of coldest and stormiest night’s ever and were then escorted to the nearby All-Saints church. 

Once there, members of the cast were dressed in a mixture of modern day and traditional nativity dress.  The vicar was in the pulpit (Reverend Lorna Brabin-Smith), angels were on the altar, shepherds were with their sheep, three wise persons stood huddled with their camels, a star dangled from a pole over a small choir and King Herod lolled on his throne wearing a string vest over his kingly garments smoking copious (pretend) cigarettes.

The story was narrated by the Playmaster (Graham King) who interjected with the tableaus created by the cast members acting as the voice of the narrator. First up were the shepherds (Josh Jones, Mike Onn and Stephen Marhsall), wearing gilets and welly boots and carrying crooks, as they explained their plight watching sheep and the hazards it presented.  Next, were Joseph (Brent Lintin) and his heavily pregnant wife Mary (Steph Jackson) pulling along a cart saying ‘Joe Carpenter’ on the side. Enter a most unconventional Arch Angel Gabriel (Sue Harrison.) who else to deliver a heavenly message but a Village Postie wearing feathered wings and fairy lights riding a traditional bike!  Who next?  Why the Wise Persons of course (Joy Lintin, Angie Carter Janine Smithson) with their ‘hobby’ camels discussing the strange bright light in the sky.  One even decided it must be an asteroid.  They then travelled around the pews to meet Herod at the rear of the church still smoking his cigarettes.

Meanwhile, back with our leading man Joe Carpenter and his good lady wife. We were then introduced to the Landlord of the Royal Star (Doug Brooks) who informed our intrepid couple in usual style that there was no room at the Inn, and they should have booked ahead.  This wasn’t good enough for his lady wife (Eunice Watson) who, realising Mary’s plight, swiftly took matters into her own hands directing the couple to the stable and offering to assist as necessary.  Soon, the baby was born the angels sang and the shepherds and the Wise Persons visited the stable. An Angel (Freya Blackbourn) warned the Wise Persons not to return to Herod and told Mary and Joseph to gather their things and head away for their safety as Herod, in his jealousy, was carrying out a murderous massacre of all young boys.

Throughout the story, we were provided with music accompanying the Christmas carols played by Ian Enright on an accordion.  The choir (U3A Singing for Pleasure) sang a selection of Christmas carols with the audience joining in with ‘Hark the Herald Angels’ at the end with words provided in the programme.

Lighting was atmospheric and added to the overall ambience.  Costumes and props were well-made and appropriate to the theme.  I particularly liked Gabriel’s outfit wearing wings over her uniform.  The little angels all looked delightful on stage in their white dresses and sporting feathery or light-up wings.

Memorable characters were, Graham King as Playmaster, who told his traditional tale with gravitas and humour and Sue Harrison as Gabriel.  I also liked Mary a very natural actress and Joseph – I laughed when she told him to wake up as his son had been born!  The Wise Persons played their parts well and had good diction as did the Landlord and his wife.  Some of the characters were a little too quiet so sadly some of the rhyming dialogue was lost due to lines being spoken too quickly or not projecting sufficiently to the back of the church. I understand some parts of the production had to be changed at the last minute due to the wintery weather conditions.

Well done Mr. Murderies’ Players, for the delivery of a novel twist on a classic Christmas tale - your ample audience certainly showed their appreciation with mince pies and refreshments to conclude the proceedings.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.