A colourful Town Junior School Christmas show saw youngsters transported back in time to the 18th century and a snow-bound Austrian village.
Town Junior School pupils performed Silent Night, a musical that tells the story of how a festive poem written by a humble parish priest became the much-loved Christmas carol sung around the world today.
Featuring a choir, orchestra, villagers and church mice, the show included colourful songs performed on a set created by teaching staff and parents.
Silent Night is a delightful nativity set in 19th century Austria, where the villagers of Oberndorf are preparing for their Christmas Eve pageant. Amid the hustle and bustle, they realise that naughty mice have destroyed the church organ. How will they organise music for their special celebrations at such short notice?
The show reveals Dhow a poem written by a parish priest resulted in the well-loved carol Silent Night.
Deputy headteacher Julie Gilmour the show had ‘a little bit of everything’.
“The play allows the children to perform something slightly different for Christmas, whilst combining many elements that are essential in a Christmas play,” she said.
“It’s a traditional tale that is full of songs that the children really enjoyed singing – but it also has the nativity scene at the end to ensure everyone remains aware of the importance of the Christmas story.”
Headteacher Adrienne Smith said: “We are so proud of all of our children – we encourage all of them to take part, in whatever way they are comfortable with. They have all worked so hard on the show and they are all so excited to be taking part.”
Audiences for the show – which was performed three times last week – donated £200 towards the school’s Healthy Hearts appeal, which is part of scheme designed to teach youngsters how to live healthier lives.