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The Carpenter Saga.


Script writtem by Mike Thomas and the Rev. R.S. Whorton



Introduction, by the authors

This modern setting of the nativity can be performed outside (although it can equally be adapted for indoor performances). For outdoors, each of the scenes can be held under different lampposts, ending up in someone's garage. The props required are minimal. As the actors and watchers move between scenes carols can be sung. Some carols are suggested but they can be changed or adapted as appropriate. It is suggested that carol sheets are provided for the watchers (large text!) The action will be mostly from the stage of a camping trailer towed behind a car. Additional lighting could be provided by car mounted lamps. Actors should be encouraged to learn lines. The Narrator can be dressed as a 'Fool'. Father Christmas needs to be in attendance, directing the crowds, giving out sweets to children en route or at the end. Modern costume for all other characters. In order to encourage people's attendance, the play can be preceded by carol singing in the area with door-to-door leaflets. A leaflet drop before hand is also recommended.


The first two scenes are reproduced on this page (below).

Scroll down, or click here to jump straight to it.

Or ... download the full play here, free of charge.




Song 1 - The Candle Song
by Graham Kendrick
Like a candle flame,
Flick'ring small in our darkness.
Uncreated light
Shines through infant eyes.

Chorus:
God is with us, Halelujah!
Come to save us, Haleluja!
Haleluja!

Scene 1

Narrator Upon this clear and shining night
With help of torch and candle-light
Our players true will you amaze
With words to set the soul ablaze
So gather round and listen well -
A story of a Birth they'll tell.
Mary's Mum and Dad are in a state of shock..... (Mum is ironing - Dad with a newspaper and smoking a pipe. Both speak with Lancashire accents).
MUM We're decent, hard-working people. How could something like this happen to us? Father... Father!
DAD Oh... Aye.
MUM For over 30 years I've worked for the church. I've done the flowers, hoovered the vestry..... are you listening?
DAD Aye.
MUM And what do I get for it? Oh, it's all too much (breaking down).
DAD Aye (stops reading paper and looks pained).
MUM It'll be all over the Clitheroe Post next week, mark my words.....
DAD Aye Mother
MUM She was such a bonny little girl, with her pig-tails and her lovely little smile.
DAD Aye.
MUM Who's the father, that's what I want to know. Why won't she tell us?
DAD Aye.
MUM Is that all you can say - 'Aye'?
DAD (After thinking for a while) It'll all come right, you'll see.
MUM (Sarcastically) Oh aye!
Song 2 - The Angel Gabriel from heaven came.
Traditional carol.
Musical arrangement © Jacki Thomas.

Scene 2

Narrator Mary's Mum went really wild
When she found her daughter was with child
How did it happen? How did she fall?
Well here she is to tell you (seductively) all.
Mary is a young girl aged about 17 - fresh complexion - simply dressed. She speaks directly to the audience.
Mary I heard voices in the night. Words, dancing and singing through my mind. More real than real, they were, words of light and pure joy. Beautiful as doves, strong as the waves crashing on the sea-shore. Words beckoning and inviting. 'You will become pregnant Mary. And your baby will be so, so special! He will bring hope to a world that has lost hope, and light to a world that walks in darkness. Will you let this be Mary, will you let this be? And I reached out with my Yes.... Yes, Yes, Yes.

I were reet chuffed.

Narrator Now Mary's Mum and Dad took action
(A rather typical knee-jerk reaction)
To marry her off, they'd have a go
So they phoned up distant cousin, Joe.
MUM Can I speak to Joe Carpenter please.
Hello, is that you Joe.....? It's yours Aunty Vi here, luv.
Fine thank you. How's the bird-watching.....?
And your parents.....?
sorry to hear that. Was it painful?
And the British Rail Accounts Department.....?
ee that's interesting...
Are you still working in Preston.....?
Listen, Joe. We wondered if you could help us. Do you think you could marry our Mary?.....
Who? Mary, our daughter of course.
Oh well she's changed since then. Grown up now...
she's seventeen. You see she's pregnant and...
What cheek! He's hung up on me!
Song 3 - Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
Traditional carol.