Stars wanted for Hucknall nativity

Church in Hucknall is set to be turned into a theatre for two nights in December when the greatest story ever told is staged with the first ever '˜Hucknall Nativity.'
St Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall are holding auditions for this years nativity play. Pictured are Sarah Wheatley, Tess Wheatley, Rector Rev Kathryn Herrod, and Rev James Pacey.St Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall are holding auditions for this years nativity play. Pictured are Sarah Wheatley, Tess Wheatley, Rector Rev Kathryn Herrod, and Rev James Pacey.
St Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall are holding auditions for this years nativity play. Pictured are Sarah Wheatley, Tess Wheatley, Rector Rev Kathryn Herrod, and Rev James Pacey.

Described as a ‘fully staged re-telling of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth’, the project is being produced by Hucknall Team Ministry and is the brainchild of the curate, Reverend James Pacey.

James is now calling on local actors for an audition evening in August.

James, 32, who wrote the play and will direct says the community project follows the success of similar ventures from his timein Newark.

He said: “Back in 2011 with the aim of bringing the community together, churches in Newark staged ‘The Newark Nativity.’

“We were blown away by the success of the project and it is a real pleasure to be able to stage a similar community initiative here in Hucknall.

“Our aim is to produce a play that explores the origins of Christmas in an entertaining, fresh and dynamic way that appeals to Christians and non-Christians alike.”

The play will exist alongside the church’s more traditional services yet despite the festive season, the play will be different from a normal nativity.

James explains: “The play aims to dig deeply into the relationship between Mary and Joseph, to show the struggles faced by the people in ancient Judea, and to explore the origins of Christmas in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.”

He hopes to repeat the success of a production of the Passion, whihc was staged in Newark in 2011 that was overwhelimingly successfull. He said: “We packed out the church for two nights running.”

James is keen to hear from local performers of any ability and experience.

He said: “There is no limit on people or ages, though we are particularly interested in hearing from teenagers for the pivotal roles of Mary and Joseph.

“We’d also love as many people to be involved in all manner of ways behind the scenes.”

There will be an informal audition and information evening on Wednesday, August 24 at 7pm in St Mary Magdalene Church in

Hucknall.

The play will be performed in the church on December 15 and 16.

And it’s not just actors being called...

James said: “We’re also very keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in being involved in a behind the scenes capacity - all are very welcome!”

If people cannot make that night then James can be contacted at [email protected]

James said: “Come along and find out more: this is an entirely different beast to what people expect from a Nativity play!”

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