Patrick Barlow has written and will direct Star Child in aid of The Art Room Charity for one night only at The Almeida Theatre on Sunday 5 December 2010 at 7pm.
By turns hilarious and heart-rending, Star Child is a nativity play like no other. Woven through with myths and beliefs from many cultures, Barlow's play upends the traditional Christmas tale and retells it as a story relevant for now. Mary doesn't want the baby, the holy star goes awol, there's a talking donkey, an over-excited midwife, three wise women and a shepherd with an angel-obsession. Not to mention a disgruntled God who wakes in the nick of time to see the earth facing disaster and a Herod who wages war on the world's children. Star Child is a tale for our times, certain to challenge, move and inspire.The cast includes Stephen Fry, Henry Goodman, Stephen Mangan, the Marquez Brothers, Natascha McElhone, Bill Paterson, Maggie Steed, Juliet Stevenson, Catherine Tate and Olivia Williams who are accompanied by musicians and children's choir.Videos