Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
March/April 2005

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The Grumpy Innkeeper

Lowther Primary School Nativity 2004

The audience entered a dimly lit hall, transformed into a dark and brooding stable. An air of expectation and wonder prevailed.

Then a medley of carols and a host of Botticelli-like angels opened the musical written and also directed with panache, by Year 2 children at Lowther primary school and their inspiring teacher Wendy Wriglesworth.

Daniel Farrant, the epitome of a Grumpy Innkeeper, was seriously bothered by the continuous interruptions whilst he was trying to get to sleep. By playing the role straight and with conviction he had the audience roaring with laughter, with his catch phrase "They're round the back".

The trio of finely cloaked narrators, Nancy, Rosie and Megan told the Christmas story with poise and clarity.

Leanne McCarthy as Mary looked genuinely tired; Joseph played by Carter Webb, who smilingly asked at many places for a bed for the night, accompanied her. Eventually they were allowed by the Grumpy Innkeeper to take shelter in the partially roofed stable at the back of his Inn. Mary needed a blanket to swaddle her infant, and Joseph was sent to wake the Innkeeper once more. Shortly after, under a sky lit by the brightest star, Baby Jesus was born.

When the heavenly angels sang Away in a Manger the Grumpy Innkeeper was woken once again. Whilst the children in the Reception class sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the Angel Gabriel, played by Morgan Evans, appeared. She encouraged the barefoot shepherds, Monique, Jarred, Georgina and Callum, to follow the star to Bethlehem.

On arrival at the stable Year 3 choir sang beautifully Said the cat to the mouse in a stable long ago. They were dressed elegantly in brightly designed bow ties. When the Kings, played by Eleni, Naimh and Manija arrived, they roused the Grumpy Innkeeper. He found it difficult to get back to sleep, as the choir then sang most sweetly There's something in the air tonight. When the Innkeeper got up once more to complain about the noise, he was overwhelmed with amazement by seeing the infant Jesus. He woke all the people staying at the Inn and invited them to come with him to the stable. Then he joined the choir and, smiling broadly, joined them in singing Christmas is the time to love. By now he was a Grumpy Innkeeper no more!

This production was outstanding by any criterion and brought home to the audience the true message of the Birth of Christ. It was the best Christmas present anyone could ever receive. Thank you, children and staff of Lowther Primary School. Please may I reserve a seat for next year's musical production?

Katherine Phillips

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