Vicki Howie

Come to a party!

A simple play reminding everyone
that Christmas is Jesus's birthday.

The star who couldn't twinkle

is about a fading star who becomes the Christmas star when he sees baby Jesus.

Shine your lights!

is set in a village in Victorian times and features a small group of carol singers who discover the real meaning of Christmas one snowy Christmas Eve.

Have you seen Christmas?

'Christmas' is the name of a dog that belongs to Luke, a boy who lives on the street.  When the dog goes missing, Luke's friends search for Christmas in the festive city – and find him (and the true spirit of Christmas) in the church hall where hot meals are being served to homeless people.

(This story is also available as a picture book, see Picture Books)

The Earth looks forward to Christmas

Planet Earth is dismayed at the unkind behaviour of humans and impatiently awaits the birth of Jesus. At long last, he feels the light touch of an angel's feet as Gabriel comes to set the nativity story in motion.  This play is based on some of the Bible readings traditionally used at a service of nine lessons and carols.

Jump for joy!

When Jesus and his cousin, John, meet each other as lively young boys on the long walk to Jerusalem one year, they discover that an angel had announced both their births.  Sitting around the camp fire with their families that night, they persuade Mary and Elizabeth to recount the family stories.

Advent Calendar Puzzle

Tom and Rosie's Godmother gives them an advent calendar to help them find out what advent is all about.  They are surprised when an angel flies out of the first door with a message.  But not all the pictures lead them to the nativity scene behind door 24. 

What can I give Him?

This play is a modern-day version of the Papa Panov story and involves the Mexican tradition of the Posada.  On Christmas Eve, two children are told by their mother that Mary and Joseph are coming to stay.  Believing that she means the 'real' couple, the children make presents for baby Jesus.  As they wait for their special visitors, the kind children give their presents away to some sad and lonely neighbours.  Later, when the nativity figures of Mary and Joseph are delivered by friends from church, the children realise that in giving to others, they were in fact giving to Jesus.  The question, 'What can I give Him?' is answered in the words of Christina Rossetti's poem, 'Give Him my heart.'

Silent Night

This play is set in St Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria in 1818.  The naughty church mice nibble the organ bellows rendering it silent for the special Christmas Eve service.  So Father Joseph Mohr asks his friend and organist, Franz Gruber, to set a poem of his to music with a guitar accompaniment.  Little do they realise that this simple lullaby will become a world famous carol. 

Each play is accompanied by a countdown to the play day which provides a complete learning experience for the children, the play being the natural climax.  It includes an illustrated story of the play,  activity sheets, drama games and tips for each rehearsal all designed to help the children understand:

• the theme of the play
• the characters in the play
• the actions, mimes and movements in the play
• the simple costumes and props required
•  what will happen on the play day

This play is also available as a picture book, see picture books page

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