Want a Simple Nativity Play?
“Our little church decided to have a Christmas program at the last minute and I’ve only got two practices with the children.
The Simplest Nativity Play Ever is going to save my life!” Angela Bratcher
Perfect for a pre-school, primary school or church nativity play….
in fact, for ALL GROUPS of ANY AGE
(especially small casts and those without time to rehearse.)
The script can be narrated with or without actors (but needs Mary and Joseph), with a choice of the actors speaking or the narrator saying their lines. Even the instructions to the actors are said in rhyme as part of the script, so NO REHEARSAL is required.
Written entirely in rhyme (a proven way to make it easier to remember), the script lasts 15 to 20 minutes (excluding any music you choose to add). No music is included so that you can use your own familiar songs, or include carols instead.
As with all of my nativity plays, the Simplest Nativity Play Ever is…
- purpose written
- adaptable
- easy to learn
As I began writing nativity scripts for my own use as a children’s leader, I deliberately make them…
- easy to recast in the event of absence or illness, and
- simple to use regardless of the number of children.
- INSTANTLY DOWNLOADABLE in an easy to use format.
The script lasts 15 to 20 minutes, plus any music you might choose to include, and telling the traditional bible based nativity story entirely in rhyme using narration and small optional speaking parts, with obvious prompts making rehearsals a luxury, not a necessity.
Click here for a preview of the script.……
The Simplest Nativity Play Ever…
Tells the traditional, bible based nativity story, in a very simple way, using
Narration interspersed with obvious prompts for….
19 (optional) short, rhyming speaking parts (averaging 2 to 4 lines) to make everyone feel special.
Whilst flexible and adaptable for ANY SIZE CAST the script is written with 2 narrators (which can be shared and split into smaller parts as you choose), an instructor, and up to 19 (optional) speaking parts (any of which can be said by the narrator if preferred) and…
- Is all held together with a rhyming narration
The speaking parts all include obvious prompts such as “The innkeeper said….” and printable prompt cards (and ‘name tags’ if required) are included with the script. Every detail has been considered to minimise your workload.
Illness and absence (and even stage fright) is easily accommodated, as the narrator can simply continue with an actor’s lines as part of the story.
I have even written two choices of message at the end so that you can choose the most appropriate for your production. Option A is a biblical message, and Option B is a general ‘goodwill’ message.
If you’re ready to buy the Simplest Nativity Play Ever click on the ADD TO CART button below, or continue reading if you need more details.
Click the headings below for more specific details:
This is simply offered as a guide as the script is so adaptable (and I am available by email to offer suggestions to help) so that no circumstances are unsummountable
- The basic traditional nativity costumes
- Mary and Joseph as walk on parts or with lines allocated if they choose to say them
- 2 good readers to narrate
- An instructor (gives rhyming instructions to the cast) Alternatively, the narrators could do this.
- An optional extra cast of up to 17 who may choose to mime or have their own lines, plus dancing angels and child extras.
This script can include as many actors as you choose without altering the script length, as the narrator says lines that actors omit. It is suitable for any age cast and ability, although the narrators must be confident readers. It therefore lends itself perfectly to a mixed age cast, and mixed abilities, and even to an unrehearsed community performance of volunteers!
If used as written it will include:
- Up to 19 speaking parts, these being Mary, Joseph, 3 Innkeepers, Angel Gabriel, 4 Shepherds, 3 Kings, King Herod, 2 Roman Soldiers, 3 Bethlehem residents. (The 17 speaking parts in italics can be omitted or fulfilled by walk on parts, or speaking roles without reducing the script.)
- 2 Narrators with approximately 196 lines to share
- an instructor with 48 lines of instructions to guide the cast
- a host of angels, (to dance)
- No songs are included but popular hymns/ carols are suggested for everyone to sing together rather than the children performing as part of the play. Alternatively, use the children’s past favourite songs to keep things simple. If you really do want some simple songs, look at my other scripts too (listed at the top right of the page or scroll to the bottom of the page) as all of my songs will work with different scripts.
Bearing in mind that every performance of a script will be different dependant upon the speed of the reading and acting, I have tried to offer a rough suggestion of the timing to expect for each element of the nativity play:
- Allow around 15 to 20 minutes for the words of the script.
- Allow time for your choice of songs (usually 10 to 15 minutes in total)
- If you include the “Simplest Nativity Play Ever Roll Call Poem” allow appromately 2 minutes.
- If you choose to use the poem “The Unending Christmas Story” to round off the play allow 1 minute
With good, confident narrators and an instructor, there is no need for a full rehearsal, as the instructions on what to do are given to the actors in rhyme by the instructor as part of the script, but if you have the opportunity to rehearse, the play will of course have a more professional overall effect.
Some familiarity with the script ahead of time will, regardless, be necessary as far as the narrators and instructor are concerned, but otherwise there will be no need for a rehearsal AS LONG AS EVERYONE WHO IS PARTICIPATING LISTENS CAREFULLY THROUGHOUT!
Traditional costumes are all that is required for each actor THAT YOU CHOOSE TO INCLUDE. Remember, however, that this script can be used to DELIBERATELY give the effect of a spontaneous, unrehearsed, community event, in which case costumes can be omitted or very basic. If you do choose to use them, these are potentially the costumes you will want…..
Mary, Joseph, 2 Soldiers, 3 innkeepers, 3 Bethlehem residents, Host of angels and Angel Gabriel, 4 shepherds, 3 kings, King Herod.
Other parts:
2 narrators and an instructor, who could be dressed in everyday clothes, unless you choose to give them a specific outfit.
Just £9.95 for an instantly downloadable, customizable word document of the script, with an additional pdf copy, plus all of the printable script prompts for the script as it is written. Finally, a name tag for every character included in the script is provided ready to print off on card to make the organisation/direction/costume allocation easier.
There are 2 alternative choices of ending included in the script
- Option A …….Biblical message: The real reason that Jesus came at Christmas-time is stated in John Chapter 3 verse 16: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”
- Option B …….General message: At Christmas-time we need to think beyond the gifts and consider what part we can play in making the world a better place and bringing peace and joy to the earth.
The Simplest Nativity Play Ever is also unique in the fact that it keeps so firmly to the biblical accuracy of the nativity story that it even acknowledges the fact that the kings visited Jesus in a house, not a stable (as per Matthew’s gospel reading) but then, as part of the script, agrees to compromise and stick with tradition and use the stable scene anyway, thereby recognising the actual truth of the gospel retelling of the kings’ visit.
Click here for a preview of the script…… THE SIMPLEST NATIVITY PLAY EVER
If you’re ready to buy the Simplest Nativity Play Ever click on the ADD TO CART button below, or continue reading if you need more details.
Click the headings below to find out more about this Nativity
I pride myself in making my scripts the best value for money around, so my SIMPLEST NATIVITY PLAY EVER can be downloaded instantly to your computer (as a word document) for the special low price of just £9.95.
For this one time investment you will receive:
An easy to follow script, with…..
- A built in note-making column
- A character listing and breakdown of lines allocated to each character
- A casting list (add your own cast’s names)
- Options and suggestions on ways to adapt and personalise the script.
- Helpful directing suggestions.
- Printable soldier’s scroll and prompt cards for the cast.
- Printable name tages for an unrehearsed cast (to assist the director, or label costumes etc)
- Permission to re-use the script with NO LICENCE FEE TO PAY
And wait, there’s more…….
I’VE SAVED THE BEST TILL LAST
Which is yours to customise as you choose once you have bought it, so that you can……..
- Reduce or lengthen the script
- Add/ omit songs
- Add names and directions
- Print off your finished version, exactly representing your own personal nativity plans, and distribute copies as you choose.
- All without any untidy scribbles or mess on the pages, leaving it as clear and easy as possible to read and use!
“Having the downloadable copy was invaluable as we could adapt it to meet our own needs and personalise it” Kirsty, Summerhill Junior School, Bristol
The pdf version is also included for your convenience.
PLUS you’ll get these FREE ADDITIONAL BONUSES: –
- A “Simplest Nativity Play Ever Roll Call” performance poem: a fabulous and unique finale for your nativity play. Again, all in rhyme, this gives everyone involved the opportunity to stand (and maybe take a bow), again without rehearsal required, as they are mentioned individually. This idea has been so well received that it has become my trademark and I now write one for every script.
- “The Unending Christmas Story”: A purpose written rhyming Christmas shape poem which can, if you choose, be read out to round up the message, at the end of your nativity play.
So, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get much better than this:
Grab your LICENCE FREE COPY of the Simplest Nativity Play Ever script at the …….
Special Low Price of
(Not £21.95) but £9.95 for a customisable word document
(including printable props, prompt cards and name tags)
Used this script before and want an alternative? …….
with all of the script prompt cards pre-prepared for you, and simple and flexible enough to do without rehearsal if necessary, but with lines for anyone who wants to say them? Want lots of options on how to use it to make it perfect for your unique circumstances?
Click here for more details of the Story of Christmas
Prefer a purpose written nativity service with bible readings, a nativity play, a couple of songs for the children to perform, combined with carol singing for the whole congregation? ……
- Do you want to incorporate your nativity play into a nativity service, and all join in with some uplifting carol singing?
- Do you want a simple but effective play, with the unique effect of rhyme in the storyteller’s part, as well as the actors’ lines.
- Maybe rehearsals are difficult to achieve, or you prefer a ‘less performed’ approach, or would simply like less focus on the perfection of the performance and more on the biblical teaching?
- How great would it be to have all of the appropriate bible readings included, not to mention all of the script prompt cards pre-prepared and ready to simply print off and distribute?
- Does a pre-prepared nativity service including the gentle innocence of a children’s nativity play, the joy of a good sing, and the teaching of the bible passages appeal to you?
If so, click here to go to THAT WONDERFUL GOD-GIVEN FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY.
Still not sure? Want all of the music included? How about these Nativity Plays?…..
The following scripts include sheet music and mp3 backing tracks for simple children’s nativity songs too……
Maybe you’d prefer the traditional bible based nativity story told with lots of gentle humour and adding a contemporary twist, again all in rhyme, including the narration which holds it all together, and interspersed with 6 simple songs (sheet music and mp3 backing tracks included)
If so, click here to go to my CHILDREN’S NATIVITY STORY
Would you prefer the combination of a modern day Christmas Eve setting anticipating Santa (or St Nicholas), alongside a reminder of the traditional bible based nativity introduced by Grandpa as a bedtime story (and acted out in rhyme), with a hint of pantomime villain in Herod? This script also includes sheet music and mp3 backing tracks for 5 songs. Like the sound of it?
If so, click here to go to my GRANDPA’S NATIVITY STORY
How about the gossiping innkeeper’s wife telling the traditional nativity story using her diary, with her somewhat downtrodden husband, and the narrator correcting her version of events from time to time!
Mary also adds an extra touch of humour with her uniquely amusing dialogue with Joseph. (Older children and even teenagers particularly enjoy this nativity script, whilst younger children love the songs) Again, this script includes sheet music and mp3 backing tracks to 6 simple songs. Interested?
If so, click here for THE DAY THAT BABY JESUS CAME TO TOWN
Tells the traditional bible based story from the perspective of the donkey, feeling unnoticed and unremarkable until he realises by the end of the story that he had been chosen to carry God’s unborn son to the place of his birth, and that God had not only noticed him but had actually been with him all along and actually LOVES his humble life.
Acted by a young child, the donkey can add a cute factor, or more of a comedic effect acted with attitude by an older child. The story is told with lots of gentle humour and short speaking parts, all held together with a rhyming narration and interspersed with 6 simple songs, for which sheet music and bonus mp3 backing tracks are included. Sound suitable for you?
If so, click here for more details of The Donkey’s Christmas Play
Do you need something even more Adaptable, Brilliantly Creative, Deliberately Easy and Flexible? Maybe, a script entirely narrated as an alphabet poem, with printable illustrated letters provided to be displayed at the appropriate moment, and actions suggested for all of the alphabetical keywords of the Christmas story, and no lines to learn. Something perfect for any cast, including special needs, or even pre-school children.
Maybe you’d like some interaction with the audience and get them involved doing actions too? The concept of this script is so simple that you can accommodate any preference according to the ideas given throughout the rhyming script , which includes mp3 backing tracks and sheet music provided for 8 simple (optional) songs too.
Intrigued? If so, click here to go to my ALPHABET NATIVITY PLAY
The last script is very specific and written for a church service, so it does not include songs but instead assumes that you will use your own carols or hymns for the congregation to join in with….
Do you have a fun, family atmosphere in your church? Older children? Not many children? Little opportunity to rehearse? The hilarious and unique Do-It-Yourself Nativity Play invites people from the congregation to join in as the script progresses, all narrated and directed IN RHYME AND RHYTHM, and unashamedly mocking (via the script) the adult volunteers! Sound like fun?
If so, click here to go to THE DIY NATIVITY PLAY.
Still prefer The Simplest Nativity Play Ever?
Spoilt for choice?
At this price, where’s the harm in buying a couple and being prepared for next year too? You have my blessing to mix and match the songs (and even parts of the scripts if you like.) Adapt them as you choose.
Ps. if you are still not sure, remember that you don’t have to take my word for it. Read the fantastic testimonials that I have received, from teachers and nativity organisers who have used the scripts.
PPs Still not sure? Click here and let the script previews speak for themselves. In the meantime why not TRY OUT MY WORK FOR FREE? Download your FREE COPY of my “Nativity Roll Call” rhyming poem which makes a fantastic finish to any traditional nativity play! Just enter your name and email address in the box below, click the “SEND IT NOW!” button and you will immediately be given the opportunity to download the Roll Call poem. Once you’ve seen how simple and instant the download process is, why not come back to purchase your instantly downloadable nativity play – you’ll be glad you did!
PPPs. Why do I do it for this price?
I love the work that you are doing! Let’s face it, you are doing endless extra hours and voluntary work, so this is my way of supporting you and saying that it is all worthwhile and appreciated. Well done, and keep up the good work! Enjoy the script, have fun with your nativity play, and have a wonderful Christmas!
God bless
Angela Yardy