HEROD is a high-powered banker and the shepherds are homeless people – welcome to the Nativity 2011-style.
A new production of the greatest story ever told is to bring the birth of Jesus up to date with a modern adaptation.
The show – which will take place on Edinburgh’s Festival Square on Thursday – is expected to draw up to 2,000 people.
Suzanne Lofthaus, of Cutting Edge Theatre, said: “It’s a modern adaptation and people will be wearing up-to-date clothing and speaking with colloquial accents.” “The shepherds are homeless people who
have fallen on hard times and instead of Herod, we’ll have the chief executive of a large bank.
“The wise men will be businessmen and an astronomer.”
Those behind the play hope to raise awareness of what the “real” message of Christmas is about.
Though the play was written by the award-winning playwright Rob Drummond, none of the 25-strong cast is a professional actor.
Suzanne said: “Trying to get the funding has been difficult, but the hope is this will become an annual event.
“I love the fact everyone works together – from the person that makes the teas to the actor with the starring role.”
The Edinburgh Nativity will be staged inFestival Square,Lothian Road, on Thursday between 6pm and 7pm.
In the case of bad weather, it will be held over two consecutive performances in St Cuthbert’s Church.
Free e-tickets are available online.
