City of Perth Nativity

Presented by the City of Perth and performed by the Australian Performing Arts Network (APAN), The Nativity is a large-scale presentation, staged in the centre of Perth and free for the public.

The traditional story of Jesus' birth is told, with the help of wonderful singing and dancing from performers from all over Western Australia.

This year's story is introduced by two young boys (Charlie Martin and Zac Mcculloch) who discover an old book in a library. A shepherd from biblical times (Elwyn Edwards) appears and tells us the Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph are beautifully played by recent WAAPA Music Theatre graduates, Miranda McPherson and DuToit Brendenkamp, with lovely sincerity and gorgeous voices.

Highlights include the arrival on camel and the singing of the three kings (APAN Cert IV Graduates Kier Shoosmith, Benjamin Todd and Nicholas Cruse), the lovely trio of Christy McGarrity, Jayda D'Agostino and Stephanie Shaw and the beautiful appearance of youngsters in National Costume at the end.

The use of animals throughout delights the audience and the singing and dancing throughout is of an impressive standard.

Wonderful support came from Paul Spencer as Arch-Angel Gabriel, Jay Western whose rendition of The Prayer (beautifully enhanced with lyrical dance) was breathtaking, Kier Shoosmith and Madeleine Shaw as the innkeeper and his wife, Chris Gerrish as the Roman Centurion and Sarah Towler as host. Strong vocal performances came from those already mentioned and Noni Trainor, Georgia Rodgers, Shanice-Kalina Thompson, Morgan Bailey-Knight and Chloe Rolland.

Those who arrive early for the nativity, can enjoy a pre-show performance of seasonal songs and dances from a variety of emerging and established performers, The program for the pre-show varies each evening and means audiences are given an always entertaining lucky-dip of a show.

The City of Perth Nativityis a wonderful tradition for Perth, and an excellent initiative of the city's council. Launched by Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi on Opening Night, I hope that the city will continue to facilitate this wonderful experience for the foreseeable future.

Kimberley Shaw

Credit (lower image) Visual Reality Productions.