Page 2 of 27 The Simplest Nativity Play Ever by Angela Yardy of www.angelaspoems.co.uk Parts required: Mary and : who could simply mime to the narration. Alternatively, there are very obvious cues and very simple rhyming lines for and Mary if they would like to say them for better effect. Whenever there are potential speaking parts for these actors, they are 2 s typed in italics. The nature of the script is such that the narrator can 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. 3 innkeepers 2 soldiers 4 shepherds 3 kings King Herod Angel Gabriel 3 Bethlehem residents Optional extra walk on parts Angels (to dance) Children The only rehearsal required is for the narrators: the actors just need to listen and mime what is described, although a rehearsal will make this easier and smoother! Prompt cards are included at the end of the script for each individual part (page 14 to 22) so that even an unrehearsed play can include speaking actors. The cues are simple and obvious (ie, The innkeeper listened, while said ) Remember, if you adapt any of the actors lines you will need to change their prompt card too. Finally, printable name tags for each actor are at the end of the script (page 23 to 27). Put them around each 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/hymns 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 manger 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 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 For God loves to share happy mem ries with you. So join with us first as we start with a sing To welcome in Jesus, the king of all kings. Suggested song/hymn Come and join the celebration Omit if inappropriate or irrelevant.
or O Come all ye faithful Page 3 of 27 Soldier 1 Soldier 2 Instructor 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. We need you to register, each at his own Original birthplace. Off you go, home! Caesar must know what his empire is worth So register now at the place of your birth. Caesar of course had plans for himself. To tax their belongings and increase his wealth! Now one man, called, (this man was a gem) alternatively, can say (that s me, ahem) He needed to travel to Bethlehem. 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 To travel to Bethlehem, both together. So Mary and will you start to walk? And if you don t mind we ll (I ll) continue to talk. I ll rewind a bit as they re walking to town. I ll tell of the day when an angel came down And mentioned to Mary (an unmarried lady) 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 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? Reading this from a scroll (can say together if preferred) Point to Coughs the ahem Point to Mary ALL actors are given their instructions this way. If you do not have an Speaking actor for to any actors part just omit the instructor s lines. Mary and walk around as this is being told 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 Christmas Mary and 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, 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? You ll know what to do when you hear us (me) narrating. And, you ll soon have some words to say As we watch you searching for somewhere to stay. Talking to actors
Page 4 of 27 Anyway, back to the story in hand Where Mary and had reached his home land, And Mary was worried, expecting that soon The baby would come and they d be marooned. So All quickly, narration her includes husband simple, attempted specific to find actions A that place the they actors could can rest, do, eg, so she d knocking have on peace doors, of mind. They d shaking travelled head, pointing, so far; it dragging was such feet a long etc. way They desperately needed a place to stay. And so knocked on the first door he found (allow them to do It opened ajar and a head popped around. actions) The innkeeper listened, while said Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed? The innkeeper answered Innkeeper 1 I m sorry, but no Then pointed and said to them, Innkeeper points Innkeeper 1 you ll have to go! Closes door So and Mary walked down the street Do actions Looking so tired, they were dragging their feet. If, They for any stopped reason at the (stage next fright, inn and absence knocked or choice) on the door. an actor doesn t say Then their own repeated line, the narrator what he d can asked say it before. as part of the storytelling. Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed? 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 Without hesitation, he pointed away. Innkeeper points to And All of left the them spoken to find lines somewhere have printable else they prompt could cards stay. them to leave, then So included, off went ready poor for Mary you and to distribute again, (see end of script closes door. And preview) knocked on another door down the lane. (Innkeeper 3 The innkeeper heard them and came to the door Innkeeper 3 answers answers door) And repeated what he d asked before. door Do you have a room and a lovely warm bed? But sadly the innkeeper shook his head. Innkeeper shakes head Mary was desperate, she d something to say () (he d more) (Depends if Mary or say the next lines.) Mary or 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. The innkeeper thought, then pointed and said Innkeeper 3 I suppose you could sleep in the cattle shed Pointing to stable So Mary and walked over that way And finally settled to rest in the hay. And just in time too, for the very next morn An amazing thing happened; yes Jesus was born! behind the manger Instructor So Mary, just pick up the baby and get The cloth by his side, as you re not finished yet. Now, just listen carefully and do as I say And later you ll lay him to sleep in the hay. Innkeeper takes Mary and to the stable and they settle down Talking to Mary Baby doll should be waiting with a cloth alongside to be wrapped up in.
Page 5 of 27 So holding him closely and safe in her hands She wrapped him up warmly in swaddling bands, Then laid him to sleep in a manger bed Where usually all of the animals fed. Waits for Mary to wrap up baby. 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. 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 The Each shepherds of the shepherds were frightened; has a simple what line could to say it like 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 Gabriel Do not be afraid, I bring news of great joy: Your Saviour s been born as a baby boy. You ll find him in Bethlehem, laid in a bed Made Even of a trough, an impromptu in a stable angels shed. dance is scripted The shepherds were dazzled in if and you glued choose to the to use spot, it. Instead, or as well When all of a sudden you ll as, there never is guess an opportunity what. for your own angel A whole host of angels gathered dance 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 Back to the angels and shepherd s that night. The angels were pure and dazzlingly bright. Omit these 2 lines if you went straight through without a song. Talking to angels. Instructor Now angels, we need you to listen and try To do what we say, you ll soon see why. 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.
OPTION A : Christian message Page 10 of 27 (No longer speaking with rhyme and rhythm, but reading from bible) 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. John Chapter 3 verse 16 For God sent his only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen OPTION B : General message It s good to enjoy all the presents and fun But at the same time, when all s said and done For There every is a gift choice given, of there message must to be bring a giver; the nativity play to end, dependant on whether We you all need need a general to think message of what we or a can biblical deliver. one, as this same script can be used in a What church could nativity we do, service, what part as well could as in we 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:
Page 13 of 27 For your ease, I have provided the following CASTING LIST, which should help to allocate parts easier. Of the following characters the bold type are the crucial parts, although the narration can be led by adults. 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 4/8+10+8+12+11+1+1+4+ Use script 1+6+2+1+4+4+3+6+6+2+ 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) 2 1+2 Use script 1 (x3) (+ 3 if Mary doesn t speak) Yes Mary 3 Any or all of these Yes 2+4+4+2+2+2+2+4+8+6+ actors can be Use script 6+6 omitted and their Instructor s rhyming instructions to actors 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) 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 frankincense King 2 1+(1 altogether) Yes-attach to myrrh King 3 1+(1 altogether) Yes- attach to gold Herod 3 Yes Share out lines as you choose
Print on card to use as script prompts/ cue cards for an unrehearsed cast. An example of the printable prompt cards provided. If you intend to use these, I suggest s cues to speak are : that you print the first 1) The innkeeper listened, while said. 14 pages of the script on 2) Then repeated what he d asked before. paper and then print the 3) Then 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 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 says MARY S LINE: lines could be given to instead) Mary was desperate, she d something to say 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 says The innkeeper answered INNKEEPER S LINE.. I m sorry, but no says. Then pointed and said to them.. you ll have to go!
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