Pictures: Aldermaston community observes 66-year York mystery tradition

Aldermaston York Nativity by E Martin Browne at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Aldermaston, from December 1 to 4. Review by DEREK ANSELL

IN Aldermaston, they have been performing the York Nativity play for 66 years, missing only 2020 due to Covid.

This year was no exception as the actors prepared for the production on the Thursday evening as the Galliard Band played sonorous early music on recorders.

Many of the actors have been playing their roles for several years, a few for as long as 20 – Simeon, played by Dave Shirt.

This year saw just one raw newcomer, Charley Henkey in the key part of Mary. Not that Charley was that raw, as she performs regularly with the Silchester Players.

She fitted in seamlessly, serene and assured in a well-made costume as she moved down the aisle to the front of the church.

Together with her maids, they made a fine opening tableau at the beginning.

Much of the visual aspect of the play depends on tableau. And good lighting.

There are three main areas – to the right of the aisle, halfway down at the front of the church by the pulpit and from high in the bell ringing chamber.

It is from the chamber that we see the all white, brightly-lit Angel Gabriel (Chris Faulkner), assuring Joseph (Phil Hull), that his wife has not sinned but has been divinely blessed.

Phil, crouching on a dimly-lit platform, is relieved and happy. Hull managed well in his transition from deceived husband, as he supposed, to blessed husband.

Charley Henkey had many scenes with just herself and baby, with her husband or receiving visits from shepherds and kings. She looked calm and composed in each.

Directed for the first time in 1957 by the late Pat Eastop, the tradition continues to present the play in accurate, colourful and entertaining style.

The plays are from the earliest transcribed in the English language, edited by E Martin Browne to fit in with the quiet, reflective, meditative space of a church.

With carefully staged tableau, good acting by all participants, colourful costumes and well-designed lighting, the aptly named 12th-century Church of Mary The Virgin in Aldermaston, with its rich acoustic, proves to be the ideal location for the Nativity play. Year after year after year. And counting...