Christmas has begun with the 68th Aldermaston York Nativity reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas
AND so the costumes are now being packed into storage trunks for another year and the local treasure that is the Aldermaston York Nativity, performed by the community for 68 years, is over until 2025, writes Arts Editor TRISH LEE.
I remember fondly when my good friend the late Pat Eastop, who instigated and directed the play until her death in 2014 and was appointed an MBE ‘for services to the Aldermaston Nativity Play and to the community of Berkshire’, related how she’d been baffled by her missing spectacles for a whole year until she opened a trunk and lo and behold…
Take a look at the pictures our @newburytoday photographer PHILCANNINGS has taken of this year’s play at the beautiful parish church of St Mary the Virgin, with its fine stained glass and ornate wall paintings.
And if you are wondering about the Three Kings, well, they were still following the star towards Bethlehem at our photocall...
More than 300 people have been involved over the years as cast, choir, crew and other roles.
Director Chris Boot said: “Costume, words and music are holistically designed in medieval style to match the age of the church. The production still has the power to delight an audience of all ages, as evidenced by the smiles and complements whether seen for the first time or the umpteenth time.
“Generous donations at the retiring collection show this as well. These go to the Children’s Society and the refurbishment fund for this Grade 1 listed church
“For the audience, it all starts when they walk in the Norman west doorway and see the illuminated East Wall covered in the stunning Christ in Majesty mural.
“The play begins when the large nave darkens and the choir sings a capella from behind them in the bell ringing chamber above the west door. The angel Gabriel, Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, Shepherds and Kings all appear to tell the story of that first Christmas.
“It all comes full circle at the end with the choir singing the familiar Noble Stem of Jesse, the lights fading out for the performers to leave and then a final silhouette of the stable appearing on the East Wall as the singing finishes.”
The Aldermaston nativity has become a family tradition for some, like the Woodleys, who have had three generations in the play and several other families have had two.
Eighty-four-year-old Les Woodley certainly knows the words to Aldermaston’s York Nativity – he has just played Third Shepherd for the 61st year.
The mystery play has been performed in the parish church since 1957.
He joined his father Charlie as a shepherd in 1963 and played alongside him until 1986.
His brother Barry joined him as a shepherd in 2005 and they have played together ever since.
His sister Jenny played the 2nd maid for many years, the part which Jenny’s daughter, Les’ niece Melony plays to this day.
Another niece, Kerry, has played the part of Anna. And several of the Woodley family have played acolytes when boys.
Les says: “Christmas hasn’t begun in Aldermaston till we have performed the Play!”
Chris Boott reports an average nightly audience of 90 across the four nights despite the attentions of Storm Darragh which did its best to put the audience off throughout the weekend.
“The play is a constant for Aldermaston and bears a timelessness from the centuries telling of the story. It is an antidote to the current day start to Christmas with its heavy commercialism and advert wars.
“Highlights of this year have been local 14 year old Mieke Brown stepping up with three weeks to go to mime the part of Mary with Cathy Ramsell (Mary: 1993-2015) voicing the part beautifully.
“Les Woodley played his 61st year as Third Shepherd, vowing to return next year. Local OAP Dave Abel, acted for the very first time in his life, bringing a new take on the role of old Simeon. First-timer and 10 year old Amelia Tilsley led the line of acolytes down the aisle.”
The 69th year of Aldermaston’s York Nativity Play will run from December 4-7, 2025.
Link to previous stories and pictures on the Aldermaston Nativity:
newburytoday.co.uk/news/aldermaston-s-medieval-nativity-performed-by-community-since-9341693/
