Search Underway for Infant to Portray Jesus in 2025 Nativity

A search has commenced for an infant to portray the central character in a village’s 2025 nativity performance. Reverend Peter Francis, who serves as Rector for Woodchester, Rodborough, and Brimscombe, made an appeal last week for a newborn to play baby Jesus in Brimscombe’s Roaming Nativity. Reverend Francis informed BBC Radio Gloucestershire that while some parents initially showed interest, Storm Darragh “put them off,” though the Nativity nonetheless featured some unexpected elements. Mr. Francis stated, “One of the three kings was Elvis.” The roaming Nativity was among the limited number of events that proceeded this past weekend, despite cancellations caused by Storm Darragh, which brought strong winds across Gloucestershire and prompted numerous weather warnings for the county and its vicinity. A red warning pertaining to wind was issued for coastal areas of Wales and Somerset, encompassing the adjacent Bristol Channel. Regrettably, the storm diminished Mr. Francis’s aspirations of having an actual infant participate in the Nativity. He commented, “If it was me, I wouldn’t have taken my newborn out into the rain and cold so, unfortunately, we resorted to a doll.” The Nativity performance took place with singing in the streets of Brimscombe, receiving support from a group associated with The Nelson Trust and individuals frequenting The Ship Inn. The individual portraying Elvis in the Nativity performed songs from “The King’s” discography and recited lines in an Elvis-like manner. Nevertheless, Mr. Francis is already focusing on the Nativity scheduled for the following year. He remarked, “We’ve even started thinking about who is pregnant.” “This year, I even asked a midwife, we were getting desperate but next year we’re already planning ahead so, the truth is, the search for the baby continues,” he added. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external sites. Details on our external linking approach are available.