I have always had a little bit of a competitive streak when it comes to The Nativity Play. This year my eldest son is in reception class and this is the year that they have the honour of doing The Nativity. I have to admit (and I know I sound like a proper alpha mum saying this) but I did see Super Kid as an ideal candidate for Joseph.
So when he came home with his Angel costume, I did feel (don’t hate me for this) a little disappointed. It has made me realise two things. One, I have huge potential to be a massively nutty stage mum. Yes I would be happy backstage polishing my sons ballroom shoes swapping gossip with the other (women without lives of their own) mothers.
Two, I have some unresolved Mary issues of my own to deal with. You see I really wanted to be Mary, despite being a grubby, chubby child,I wanted to bear the messiah. We did The Nativity every year at my church and I slowly rose through the hierarchy of roles. First, I played a sheep, and I’d like to think its the fact that I really shone in that role that lead to my eventual promotion to Shepard.
After that I played Innkeepers, Wise Men, I even eventually got the role of Angel, several years running. Finally my turn came, it was announced that I would play Mary. Im honestly not sure if my Auntie bribed the priest but I didn’t care. I was to play The Virgin Mary.
Unfortunately the role did not come without some turmoil. As Mary I had assumed that my doll Tiny Tears would naturally play the role of Jesus. With her golden locks she was ideal for the part. However the priests daughter had other ideas. She wanted her large (frankly a little on the ugly side) doll to occupy the manger for the pivotal scene.
Eventually it was agreed that since I was Mary my doll would be in the manger. All settled or so I thought. When the moment came for me to pick up the doll and sing to the crowd “we will rock you” (no not the queen version) I noticed it was the wrong doll. So instead of singing or rocking I flung the baby from the manger with a cry of “that’s not Jesus” as indeed in my eyes it wasn’t.
It was a Nativity disaster. And I was never asked to play anything more than tree in the corner again. So perhaps, this is why I was hopeful that my son would take the leading role. However having seen him in his gorgeous costume, looking pleased as punch, I am thinking that Angel is a very important role after all. I cannot wait to see him next week, and I’m sure I would be proud of him whatever part he took.
this made me laugh so much, what a great story! I was Mary too one year, its my claim to fame! We have a snowman and two narators here this year. I’m just glad I’ve only one costume to make.
Yes , luckily the angel costume came home just needing washing and ironing. Hope your little ones do you proud.
I was never Mary either. The whole thing was clearly fixed. It was always teachers kids that got the best parts but I was quite happy as an angel.
Amy was a shepherd once and we have it on video her showing a lot of reluctance in handing over her sheep as a gift to Jesus and in the end agreeing to lend it! again the same few ( precocious/gabby kids- only ever in my head and to my hubby have these words been uttered) got the lead roles year in year out.
Jake did his show today and I was so proud of him. He was so good, as a kings page. I know its a made up role! but he did it well and got to be on the stage for the video and sung his little heart out. it made my day that’s for sure.
Actually kings page is a very important role, the kings would have never got anywhere without them. Glad you enjoyed his show.
It truly was a memorable moment the day ‘Mary’ lost the plot. It still raises a smile as I read about it today. Proud mum still thinks it was one of the best Nativity plays ever attended. On a par with the one where the angel stood at the front instead of the back of the tableau. ( blocking all views of Mary and Joseph!) You did sing your angel song very sweetly and bought tears to my eyes!
And yes it is a mum’s prerogative to have damp eyes on such an occasion. x
Thanks mum.
I was Mary once (having been a shepherd also) as the tallest girl in my little primary school I guess mayb etha was why. Was chosen? Not sure. I remember it being e first time that someone heard my knees creak as I had to bow down and Joseph was played by a boy called Magnus!! Lol funny what stands out in your mind. I was a little thespian too 🙂 xx
I’m sure you were a splendid Mary and that it was the best creaky kneed nativity ever.
No I never got picked for any school play roles for years and then had chance to do a violin solo, but was poorly and stood up and projectile vomitted everywhere! So my memories of school plays aren’t great either! My sons school no longer do a Christmas production as the children are too tired but my children never get main roles and I am always a bit miffed!
Oh dear, vomit and violins are not a good mix, poor you.
Oh I craved to be Mary too, I only ever made it to the ranks of cat – and technically I don’t think there is even a cat listed as being round the manger!
I reckon the cat is a very underrated character !
Haha! Brilliant story. I think it’s these moments which make the plays so wonderful, they don’t have to be perfect.
My daughter was a star e.g. The chorus in her play this year, and I must admit I had a moment of humph what do you mean a star? But I don’t think she’d have been brave enou for anything else this year so I’m pleased really.
Yes your right , I don’t think Super Kid was really up for more than number angel. Bless.
I laughed til I cried. Thanks Ella!
Great ! Glad you enjoyed it.
Lola even got a bit worried 🙂