While Shepherds Watched
4 & 5 December, 2011 St. Mary's Church, Andover.
Unity Christian Theatre enjoyed another hit with their production of the Roger Jones musical While Shepherds Watched in the first week of December. This year Unity were offered the use of St Mary’s Church, and though the audience sight lines may not have been as good as in the hall at John Hanson School, there can be little doubt that the atmosphere created in the church was a thousand times better than the somewhat sterile setting at the school. Thanks are due to Canon John Harkin for making the church available, and to Andover Choral Society who lent the group the stage-blocks.
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The cast, choir and orchestra were all somewhat depleted compared to earlier productions but, despite that, the large numbers who braved the icy conditions (which gave added significance to the beautiful rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter”!) were presented with a show which reflected the additional polish which experience is giving to the group.
The story of Christ’s nativity is so well known that it is difficult to bring anything particularly new to it. Roger Jones succeeded by taking some well-known songs and presenting them with new and memorable tunes and mixing them in with some wonderfully lyrical original material to tell the tale from the point of view of the shepherds. We were reminded strongly that shepherds were the social outcasts of their day, the last people one would expect to be first to hear of the most important birth in the history of mankind. From the comical complaint of “Is there anything more to life than sheep?” through the angels proclamation “Glory to God”, to the awestruck wonder of a shepherd singing “Could it possibly happen to me?”, these horny-handed men of toil – and their wives and children - took us on their journey of discovery leading to the stable and Joseph’s invitation to “Come see the beauty of the King” and Mary’s moving “Magnificat”.
The story of Christ’s nativity is so well known that it is difficult to bring anything particularly new to it. Roger Jones succeeded by taking some well-known songs and presenting them with new and memorable tunes and mixing them in with some wonderfully lyrical original material to tell the tale from the point of view of the shepherds. We were reminded strongly that shepherds were the social outcasts of their day, the last people one would expect to be first to hear of the most important birth in the history of mankind. From the comical complaint of “Is there anything more to life than sheep?” through the angels proclamation “Glory to God”, to the awestruck wonder of a shepherd singing “Could it possibly happen to me?”, these horny-handed men of toil – and their wives and children - took us on their journey of discovery leading to the stable and Joseph’s invitation to “Come see the beauty of the King” and Mary’s moving “Magnificat”.
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The final number drew in strands from earlier tunes and gave the singers an opportunity to put the pedal to the floor and belt out “All this night my heart rejoices” with the sort of joyful praise which Christmas deserves. Unity will be producing the Andover Passion again on Good Friday, April 22nd at 11am, following the Andover Churches Together Service and Walk of Witness. There will also be a performance of the Passion in Andover College Theatre at 7pm on Tuesday 19th April.
The Andover Passion can only succeed if there are enough people willing to commit themselves to the project, whether as members of the cast or in the various support roles such as staging, costumes, props, marshals etc. If you feel you would like to be involved in this dramatic demonstration of Christian witness, an example of the stand against secularism called for by Pope Benedict, you will be most welcome at the first rehearsal which will be held in our parish hall here in Alexandra Road at 4pm on Sunday 23rd January. Any telephone enquiries may be made to Sharon O’Leary on Andover 324196.
The Andover Passion can only succeed if there are enough people willing to commit themselves to the project, whether as members of the cast or in the various support roles such as staging, costumes, props, marshals etc. If you feel you would like to be involved in this dramatic demonstration of Christian witness, an example of the stand against secularism called for by Pope Benedict, you will be most welcome at the first rehearsal which will be held in our parish hall here in Alexandra Road at 4pm on Sunday 23rd January. Any telephone enquiries may be made to Sharon O’Leary on Andover 324196.
Many thanks to all the people who have helped to make this production possible. . . .
To Roger Jones for allowing us to use his music and for the insporation that he is to us. To the 'Unity Committee' with special thanks to Pete Middleton our Musical Director, and to Rosemary Sabroe for her authentic costumes. To our many voluntary helpers who provided refreshments, sold tickets and generally made themselves available and to the many sutdents from Andover College 'Performing Arts' Course who have given their time to help with staging, lighting, recording and raffle.
Last but by no means least, thanks to all the performers who have loyally attended rehearsals with smiling faces and patient good humour!
To Roger Jones for allowing us to use his music and for the insporation that he is to us. To the 'Unity Committee' with special thanks to Pete Middleton our Musical Director, and to Rosemary Sabroe for her authentic costumes. To our many voluntary helpers who provided refreshments, sold tickets and generally made themselves available and to the many sutdents from Andover College 'Performing Arts' Course who have given their time to help with staging, lighting, recording and raffle.
Last but by no means least, thanks to all the performers who have loyally attended rehearsals with smiling faces and patient good humour!