Teach Primary Issue 19.6

So, here we are, back to school. The memories of summer holidays are already beginning to fade, and if you’re an Early Years or KS1 teacher, you don’t need a herald angel to tell you what’s plodding over the horizon like a fully laden camel. It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas performances. Luckily, The School Musicals Company is on hand to take the donkey-work out of creating a show that will inspire the children and delight the proud parental audience. What’s more, they have three new offerings from their talented stable of writers and songsmiths to choose from. For those who prefer a more traditional approach to the Christmas story, there’s Away on a Silent Night . This is a simple retelling that remains respectful of this timeless tale’s biblical origins, right down to Caesar Augustus’s eccentric decision to make people travel to their ancestral town for a census. There are certainly moments of gentle humour in this show, but the overall mood is of reverence and the songs are accessible and sweet. For a more anthropomorphic twist on the tale, there’s Hushaby Nativity . Again, this stays fairly close to the traditional Bible story but views it from the perspective of the animals, who, for some reason, don’t understand the need to be quiet around a sleeping baby. Every time the stable inhabitants manage to settle down, something else causes a rumpus and peace has to be restored. Be prepared for the adorable sight of young children spraying each other with saliva while they try to say ‘Hush’ with their raised index fingers not quite over their mouths. All told, this is a gentle, calming production at a time when noise, chaos and excitement can overwhelm a school. Unapologetic party animals, on the other hand, will probably go for Camel-ama-ding- dong . This upbeat musical focuses on those fun-loving, all-terrain vehicles of the desert because, as we all know, camels love to party! This fun and funky nativity bounces along very merrily, giving children the perfect opportunity to get all that ‘it’s-almost-Christmas’ energy out, although the rather beautiful song, ‘A Star Is Shining’ provides a pleasant change of mood and tempo. As existing fans of The School Musicals Company’s award-winning output will confirm, they have really perfected the knack of crafting catchy, heartwarming songs, perfectly pitched for young voices. Simple lyrics with plenty of repetitive phrases make them easy to learn and the melodies often have a familiar feel without being too predictable. They have also taken care to ensure that the script is not over-complicated and thoughtfully shared out so that everyone who so wishes can have their proud moment in the spotlight. All three productions come with two recorded versions of each song: one performed by children, and one as a backing track. Incidental music is also provided. There are comprehensive booklets, too, packed full of handy support materials such as scene breakdowns, staging suggestions and sheet music as well as a full script (an editable version of which can be obtained for a small charge). All you have to do is give your little angels the chance to spread their wings. Three different, charming musical interpretations of the nativity story for younger children AT A GLANCE MUS I C Suitable for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Comprehensive booklets providing editable scripts, song lyrics and sheet music Includes detailed staging and casting notes Audio files featuring vocal and non-vocal versions of each song Enchanting adaptations of the festive tale £27.95 RRP per show plus £27 performance licence. theschoolmusicalscompany.com Well-pitched scripts Charming, catchy songs Speaking parts for 30+ children Sure-fire crowd-pleasers Reduces the stress of staging a production Options for different moods and tempos Simple lyrics that are easy to learn Multiple recordings of each song You want to take the stress out of staging an enchanting nativity production for younger children. VERD I CT UPGRADE I F . . . REVIEWED BY: MIKE DAVIES The School Musicals Company: Nativities www.teachwire.net | 113 RE V I EWS