What greater measure of success can there be for a two-performance school production than that the first audience returns for the second showing?  So it was for Liberton Christian School’s The Great Christmas Robbery which played to full houses on 7–8 December 2006.

Even before the curtain was raised the upbeat mood for the evening was well established with the backing band’s catchy swing renditions of Christmas carol standards.

The play itself, which involved every pupil of the school, centres on the misadventures of three neighbourhood children.  Max, the headstrong leader, was manfully played by Joshua T.  Rose L. was a convincing and confident Jill, the voice of reason.  Well done Matthew B. for stepping out of type to portray the earnest but rather dim Horace.

The three friends’ plans for a traditional Christmas with Santa Claus, cards and yummy food are thwarted by the nefarious Slimebelle (Natasha C.) and her Sleaze Gang.  As the leading lady, Natasha was in her element with clear, confident delivery of lines, an air of authority over her gang members, and a promising singing voice.

For their part the Sleaze Gang provided the comic relief and dazzled with their slick choreography.  This ensemble was where the budding thespians in the junior school were allowed to shine.  Great little cameos came from Jackson C., Oliver C., Adrian A., Francesca C. and Shannon M.

As the gang set about eliminating one seasonal ingredient after another the three friends are left to gloomily face what they consider will be a bleak Christmas.

Cue a throng of angels securely led by gentle Nanny (Lydia S.).  And what angels!  With their cherubic faces, gossamer wings and ethereal demeanour one simply can not imagine their little characters being any different off-stage.  Although unseen by the three friends, the celestial throng gently remind them that Christmas is a time to remember the gift of God’s son.

When this proves ineffective the angels return and stage a re-enactment of the nativity—complete with Mary, Joseph, shepherds and even more angels—powerfully reminding all of the true meaning of Christmas.  At this point audience participation is called for and excerpts from popular carols rang out lustily.

For the Christian there can be no story more moving or profound than that of Christ’s coming.  As Sir John Betjeman wrote:

   And is it true? And is it true,
   This most tremendous tale of all,
   Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue,
   A Baby in an ox’s stall?
   The Maker of the stars and sea
   Become a Child on earth for me?

The nativity segment was charged with emotional tension as the play was brought to a triumphant conclusion.

An additional focus for the performances was to assist Keiri Samuel, an ex-pupil of the school, in his need to raise $46,000 for post-operative cancer treatment. (See Mr Samuel’s webpage.)  Mr Samuel was present for the second show and was said to have been very touched by the enthusiasm of the pupils to help.  A total in excess of $1,800 was given.

In recognising the major contributions, all the leads are to be commended for their committed, convincing performances.  Mention must also be made of the world-weary Santa, acted with expert comic timing by Colin J., the Audience Child (Anneke B.) who made her entry with aplomb, and the Cute Child (Sarah B.) who really does have cuteness in spades.

Musical direction was by Natalie Yeoman who inspired the choruses and also brought together an outstanding backing band.  Made up of parents and friends, the band was memorably spearheaded by Neville Copland on piano and also included pupils Thomas M. on guitar and Baz C. on percussion.

An evocative suburbia set was created by Kyra Jones and her team of arty pupils.  Antje Storm led a bevy of mothers (and a grandmother too) in sewing a myriad of visually appealing costumes.  Alan Robertson can take a deep bow for bringing off a very successful production as director and producer.  In this he was assisted by Christine Jones, Natalie Yeoman and Connie van Dyk.

The Great Christmas Robbery was written by Anne Robertson (wife of the director) and Elizabeth Taylor—“with God’s help” the programme indicates—for a church outreach project in 1991.  What an injustice it would be if it had to wait another 15 years before being revived again.

The Gift Goes On

(Song from the show, to the tune of Da Do Run Run.)

At Christmas we remember Jesus
Came to earth
The gift goes on, it goes on and on
God showed His loving in a baby’s birth
The gift goes on, it goes on and on.

Yeah, He loves our world
Yeah, every boy and girl
Yeah, and now throughout the year
The gift goes on, it goes on and on.

The Christmas tree reminds us there’s a better way
The gift goes on, it goes on and on
Giving and receiving love on Christmas Day
The gift goes on, it goes on and on.

Yeah, He loves our world
Yeah, every boy and girl
Yeah, and now throughout the year
The gift goes on, it goes on and on.

At Christmas He reminds us all to share His love
The gift goes on, it goes on and on
Pass around to others what you get from above
The gift goes on, it goes on and on
Yeah, pass it on, pass it on and on ...