Popular traditional production The York Nativity Play at Aldermaston takes place early next month

The show takes over the 12 th century parish church of St. Mary the Virgin Aldermaston on December 1, 4,5, 6 and 7.

This 58th year of the Nativity Play will be an especially poignant year given the recent death of Pat Eastop, who devised, guided and inspired the play for the past 57 years.

It was her firm wish that the play should continue and so the company will pay tribute to her, and honour her legacy, in this year’s performances.

Pat had chosen her own successor, Chris Boott, back in early spring 2014, initially to understudy her but he now takes on guiding the play into the future. Chris has sung in the choir for many years and has directed amateur theatre, particularly in the local area.

The text of the play at Aldermaston is taken from six individual plays in the 14th Century York Mystery Cycle. They concern the Nativity, from the Annunciation to the Purification.

E.Martin-Browne carefully edited the version making it suitable for performance in the quiet and meditative space of a church rather than the market place. His enthusiasm and knowledge was instrumental in bringing about a revival of the whole Mystery Play Cycle for the 1951 Festival of Britain.

In 1957, the very year that Aldermaston first presented the York Mystery Play, Dame Judi Dench played the role of the Virgin Mary in the full cycle production at York Minster. In her memoir "Scenes from my life" she refers to her involvement with the York Mystery Plays as a "terribly exciting time". Dame Judi's mother, father and aunt also took part in the play.

In the Aldermaston production, generations of families have also taken part. Leslie Woodley who took over his role from his father, Charley, has played the part of 3rd Shepherd for 50 years and continues to do so alongside other members of the Woodley family.

Last year's production 

Because of the complexity of the production, much depends on the management, the lighting crew, the wardrobe mistresses and those who administrate. The whole village community makes a huge contribution to the historic play and its success.

The music is seminal to the play and is sung unaccompanied from the ringing chamber of the church. Most of the pieces are anonymous but three are by notable composers William Byrd, Johann Eccard and Michael Praetorius.

John Mountford, organist and choir master at Bradfield College took over last year as director of music and continues in the role this year.

Tickets are free. Request yours by emailing aldermastonnativity@hotmail.co.uk. 

A retiring collection will be taken up in aid of the restoration of the church and The Children's Society.