Redbridge nativity scenes capture meaning of Christmas

NATIVITY scenes featuring a hoard of dancing elephants and a talking sheep have been performed at Redbridge schools this month.

Drama struck the Gearies Infants School, Waremead Road, Gants Hill, nativity, as both the lead role of Mary and her understudy became ill.

Bob Drew, headteacher, said: “We chose another girl to take the lead and she was fine in practice.

“She posed for photos beforehand and looked calm. When the nativity began she burst into tears and couldn’t do it. Showbiz!”

Nonetheless, the performance by four-year-old reception children to 100 parents was a success and Mr Drew said everyone enjoyed themselves.

Meanwhile, pupils at Coppice Primary School, Manford Way, Hainault, put on a confident performance of their nativity play – Shine Star Shine – despite a technical mishap.

Joanne Coton, headteacher, said: “The microphone failed but the children rose to the occasion and learned how to project their voices. The parents appreciated that every child was included to encompass all faiths and religions.”

Around 240 pupils aged between three and seven took part in two performances last week.

At John Bramston Primary, Newcastle Avenue, Hainault, a host of dancing elephants featured in their nativity with a twist.

Sue Whiteson, creative arts leader, said about 250 parents packed into the school hall over the course of a week of performances.

She said: “They all really enjoyed it and so did the pupils. We think it went well. We had been rehearsing since half term, although we had the snow week which disrupted it so we were a bit behind.

“But once the children had learned the words to the song it went pretty well from there.”