And the Wile Wise Men Came by Dan Gordon (free) (updated)

2011 update - the nativity play is back in Westbourne Presbyterian on Tuesday 13 December at 7pm. See post for details about tickets.

Saturday - Updated with a shot from the first performance. It was a great wee nativity play, with lots of interaction with the young audience, and lots of parts for the children to play on stage. Hopefully it'll get a larger audience in future years. Kudos to Laura Hughes who steered the show and the children through their paces - and dealt so well with the lamb that appeared in the manger - as well as Roisin Gallagher and Faolán Morgan who played Mary and Joseph.

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That’s the name of the nativity play (suitable for children and adults) that’s being performed in Westbourne Community Church in East Belfast on Saturday 11 December.

It’s the church with the neon cross on its tower at the bottom of the Newtownards Road. Unmissable.

Having hosted the première of Dan Gordon’s The Boat Factory as part of its 130th anniversary celebrations back in October, the congregation is delighted to be hosting a new version of an old story, also penned by Dan Gordon and supported by the Ulster Scots Agency (though the language isn’t expected to be too thick fur tae weans).

There’s a rumour that there might even be live animals involved - which may challenge the long-held belief that wise men came from the east! (Update - the bad weather cancelled the appearance of the live animals.)

Admission is free. Performances run at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm and seats can be simply reserved by 028 9046 0295.

And if you’re in the area the next weekend, the annual Carols by Candlelight Community Service is running at 7pm on Sunday 19 December, followed by mince pies, shortbread and mulled wine to warm you up. No need to book - just turn up.