Kidgate Academy brings Nativity to life!

Festive cheer filled Kidgate Academy as the children took to the stage to perform A Wriggly Nativity, one of the UK’s most loved and lively nativity productions.

Designed especially for children who just can’t sit still, the performance was bursting with energy, movement, and joy from start to finish.

A Wriggly Nativity tells the Christmas story almost entirely through songs, actions, movement, and dance. Every child was encouraged to wriggle, dance, and express themselves while singing. From angels and innkeepers to shepherds and sheep, each performer brought their role to life with enthusiasm and confidence.

The academy was transformed for the occasion with a beautiful set, complete with twinkling fairy lights that added a magical atmosphere. Parents and families were warmly welcomed and invited to enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie while watching the show, making it a truly festive community event.

The children performed exceptionally well, showcasing remarkable confidence as they remembered their lines and sang beautifully throughout.

The nativity featured a wonderful range of traditional characters, all played brilliantly by the children, who smiled throughout the performance. The cast included Mary and Joseph with their donkey, angels, stars, innkeepers, shepherds and sheep, and the kings with their camels.

Those characters who journey in the Nativity story truly brought it to life by travelling around the hall as part of the performance. Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem with their donkey, the angels spread the good news to the shepherds, the shepherds and sheep travelled to visit Baby Jesus, and the kings followed the stars on their camels. This movement around the space made the story engaging, immersive, and magical for everyone watching.

Highlights included lively renditions of Wriggly Nativity, Donkey Plodding, complete with hilarious donkey brays and Dancing About in the Straw, which featured large cardboard cut-out animals and some very amusing animal acting.

The performance ended on a heart-warming note as the children delivered a sung and signed version of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, inviting parents, families, and staff to join in and celebrate together.

Principal Susan Cook praised the children’s efforts, saying: “The children were absolutely brilliant. Their confidence, enthusiasm, and teamwork truly shone through. A Wriggly Nativity was the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas story, and we are so proud of every single child for their fantastic performance.”

The nativity was a wonderful reminder of the joy and excitement of Christmas and a celebration of the children’s hard work, creativity, and confidence, an event that will be fondly remembered by all who attended.