THE traditional Christmas story might seem like a sentimental tale, but to British writer Dorothy L. Sayers it was anything but.
Sayers’ radio play, “The Man Born to Be King” – first produced for the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1942 – explores the birth of Christ from the power-hungry perspective of King Herod.
This unique production will be performed live on Saturday 3 December at 7.30pm at the Anglican Church of Noosa, 17 William Street, Tewantin. All are welcome and admission is just a food donation for Samaritan Care Christmas food hampers.
All 18 members of the cast for The Man Born to Be King belong to the Anglican Church of Noosa, several with professional acting experience.
King Herod is played by Ian Williams, a Tewantin-based public relations professional who has performed in the UK, Canada, the US and Australia and Joanna Moore-Smith, once a cast member on The Young Doctors television series as well as many Sydney theatre productions, plays the innkeeper’s wife who hosts Mary and Joseph.
Show director Jo Kadlecek-Gilbert said the BBC commissioned Sayers to write these radio plays on the life of Christ at the same time Nazis were invading Europe, as a way of reconnecting with the country’s Christian roots and hope.
“In many ways, the play’s retelling of Christ’s birth offers an amazingly relevant perspective for us to hear,” she said.
“We wanted to give the Noosa community a new way to listen to the Christmas story through a quality production and for a good cause – food donations for our neighbours in need.”
Audience members will enjoy the re-recreation of the 1940s radio studio as actors deliver their lines into shared microphones complete with sound effects. The production is performed with permission from David Higham Literary Associates, London, England, and is one of many Christmas events the Anglican Church of Noosa will be hosting.
For more information on Christmas and family carol services, the Peregian Springs Christmas Spectacular, or The Man Born to Be King please visit, anglicanchurchnoosa.org.
