School Play

It was billed as 'The Nativity". I'd heard snippets of the songs and had been warned that although she was a Star in the show, she had no words and was one of 5 other non-speaking stars. I gently suggested that my 5yr old daughter mention to her teacher that she'd like to say something. She was reeling off other peoples parts with aplomb and obvious enjoyment. But she's always been the timid type and my husband said that was part of her lovely character and not to push it.

So I sat and smiled benignly through all the proceedings. The star turn was really the inkeeper - a bubbly little girl who really enjoyed being a grumpy landlord with a heart. But Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and narrators all took to the stage and did themselves and their parents proud. My little star watched on as everyone performed and looked happy when her turn came to stand on the stage. I gave her lots of thumbs ups and grins and made a little movie on my phone for her to watch later. I won't mention it to her but I was gutted. I remember a school play when I was younger and my one! line. I rehearsed it and enjoyed delivering it to a laugh from the assembled parents. It gave me confidence. I would have loved for all the quiet ones to have been encouraged to speak out. The teacher told me afterwards that my daughter did not request a speaking part. Next year we'll be ready!