Local flair for Umdloti Nativity play

Wet weather could not dampen the Umdloti Christmas carollers’ spirit on Sunday afternoon.

A quick venue change from the skiboat club to the Fouché family home and the show was back on the road.

Even the dolphins seemed to approve as a sizeable pod made an appearance, surfing the waves in front of the house, drawing cheer and applause from the already festive audience.

Drama teacher Jane Ross adapted and localised the Nativity play script from the well-known “Ballad of the Breadman” by Charles Causley.

The local references brought just the right dose of subtle humour while maintaining a respectful atmosphere of reverence for the birth of Christ.

As the story goes, none of the innkeepers, in this case The Oyster Box and Fairlight Beach House, could accommodate Mary and Joseph “as our village is such a popular holiday destination”.

The couple was referred to an open patch of land and the baby was born in a cow-shed next to the local pub – The Bush Tavern.

The traditional three wise men were replaced with a bishop, a five-star general, and the head of an African country, who arrived in a bullet-proof limousine.

The five-star general brought gold, the bishop myrrh and the African president said, “Frank sent this” and handed over a surfboard.

The play was interspersed with the singing of traditional Christmas carols, led by a spirited community choir.

In an almost Barnyard Theatre-like style setting, the audience feasted on snacks and beverages while enjoying the festive production.

Great community fellowship was had with Olive Tree Church members and non-church going folk enjoying each other’s company while sharing food and laughter.

After the production, everybody received a delicious homemade star shaped Christmas biscuit and donations were collected for the lifeguards’ Christmas lunch.

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