Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

Our vicar is a crowned bard of the National Eisteddfod, but no mealy mouth poet. He is also a playwright of the gritty school, (but Welsh language, so I don't catch everything) so we have come to expect unusual nativity plays. I think this year's was one of the best.

The opening scene had Mary having her highlights done at Gary&Boris.com on Porthmadog High Street. A rapper in black jeans & tee shirt (but with black wings edged in silver tinsel) swaggers up the aisle to whisper in her ear. Although the play was in Welsh the exclamation was very clearly 'Flipping Heck!', then she added in Welsh 'Joseph will go mental'. Next we go to a chat show on Radio Cymru with the pop group 'The Shepherds' and an interview with rapper Gabriel - who gives an excellent rap in both languages on Peace Good Will and the fact that the Babe would be born in Porthmadog's Council Estate. Sadly I got a little lost in the last scene which was set in Kings New Age Shop, there were 4 Kings, selling all sorts of things including snake oil, and muesli! Gabriel appeared to them too, but I couldn't catch his sayings, nor could my Welsh neighbour.

The Bishop was present, and loved it. I think it was a great change from the sugar and saccharin of some nativities, and not a tea towel or dressing gown in sight!

Sounds great Katharaine.

I'm even beginning to feel a bit Christmas-sy listening to the Songs of Praise Carol Service on the Beeb and about to get ready for the Dorking Girls FC Christmas Party at Meadowbank club-house this evening.

It seems it takes me longer and longer each year, to get into the spirit each year as what little faith I have left seems to get shattered by world events..

Soiunds almost hilarious - pity you couldn't get the script and have it translated into English!

I echo that - sounds brilliant and very edgy - far more likely to get the kids on board !

As I do not celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, I have been playing CDs of seasonal songs ( lots of Bing Crosby & co) to get myself in the festive mood . However, will be playing carols over the week-end for Ma , and will let her put up the crib, as usual. In exchange I get to put on Flanders & Swan during Christmas Day lunch .... !