Beetham staff tell the nativity story

Not quite a cast of thousands, but a good showing from Beetham Healthcare staff in the nativity play written by the late Iris Burgess, which has become an annual event at the village. From left are Sandy Richmond(Mary), Graham Wake (wise man), Diane Bell(narrator), Steve Light (Joseph), Wannabe (pony), Tony Smith (shepherd), Marie Murphy (director/seamstress), Connor O’Donnell-Light (shepherd), Josh Patty (shepherd), Greg Taylor (wise man), Russell Snow (wise man), Lynn Sulliman (angel), Biddy McLeod (stagehand), Marj Gowers (angel), Leanne Hogan (angel) and Carole Claassen (angel). The sheep, courtesy of Sandy Richmond, are Stevie, Nibbles and Smooch. Picture by Liam Clayton

A nativity play written by the late Iris Burgess was performed on Tuesday for the third year in a row for Beetham HealthCare residents.

Beetham staff perform the play “for the benefit and enjoyment of our residents”, said general manager Diane Bell. It is something the team look forward to, she says, and has been “improving” each year.

Staff admit to “not too much practice”, reading through their lines in the lead-up to the event, with a generous amount of ad-libbing on the day.

Costumes were designed and made by village resident Marie Murphy, who also directed the show.

A carols session followed, accompanied by Jane Utting on piano.

In previous years a life-sized metal sheep has been used as a prop, courtesy of Eastland Vets.  This time around staff members were able to provide real sheep, a pony, farm dog and hay bales, an ensemble which made for an extra special atmosphere for the audience.

“We had quite the menagerie,” said Diane.

“The play was well received and provided lots of fun for the staff.”

Play writer Iris Burgess lived at the village until she passed away, at the age of 95, in June this year.