Nativity PB in Newcastle

WHAT if Jesus had been born in Newcastle? We are all familiar with the story of Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem on a donkey. But now the traditional nativity has been given a Geordie twist.

Residents from Scotswood in Newcastle, have been getting into the Christmas spirit by staging their very own community play.

While the production featured the characters Mary and Joseph, instead of being set in Bethlehem, it followed the couple’s journey to Walker Riverside after their house in Scotswood was demolished.

The play aimed to entertain families but also to give a tongue-in-cheek history about the regeneration that’s been taking place in the area.

Angie Newman, play centre manager, said: “The production is aimed at bringing people together at a special time of year, but also to involve and inform children and their parents on where we are at with regeneration in Scotswood.  It tells the tale of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Walker to Scotswood Regeneration Centre to register for a new house when the Expo is built.  The play is really funny and we’ve loved all the rehearsals.”

The production had a further twist as Scotswood Neighbourhood Management is currently planning “U-decide” participatory budgeting events for children and young people.

Angie added: “We felt that to include the U-decide concept in the play would introduce children to the way it works and how they can vote for activities that will benefit them and their community.

“Voting themes in the play included deciding on whether Mary and Joseph should travel to Scotswood on a wonky donkey, a scooter or in a shopping trolley. Also, they decided on what gifts would be given to the baby Jesus.”

Neil Purvis-Riddell, 14, a pupil from Excelsior Academy, played the part of Joseph.

He said: “It felt more like a comedy sketch than a play; it was so funny. We got some really positive comments afterwards and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

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