A sprinkling of starlight in online Christmas show

Glossop churches have come together to host a free online show for residents.

In a gloomy winter with most things cancelled or at least looking uncertain, local vicars, the Rev’ds Felicity Walters, David Mundy, Toby May and Nick Gurney, have joined together to offer everyone in Glossopdale something to look forward to. 

Although parties and theatre trips are out this year, the vicars have come up with an online show, produced by Oxfordshire-based theatre company the LAMPS Collective.

Bread and Starlight is a one-woman performance starring local actor and singer, Emma Jane Ramsden, who lives in Padfield. 

It is a show of story-telling and song and is a grown-up take on the nativity story from the perspective of Elizabeth, Mary’s much older cousin, and it is suitable for adults and for older children.

Felicity Walters, vicar of Charlesworth with Gamesley and Vicar of Hadfield, said: “We know how much everyone is struggling and weary at the moment and we wanted to do something which would bless all of Glossopdale, not just those who would normally be in church.”

The Church of England churches will host an online viewing on Sunday, December 13, at 7.30pm. 

After the show, viewers are invited to stay on ‘In the Bar’ at 8.45pm, drinks and nibbles to hand, to meet those involved in the production and other members of the audience, to hear about the challenges of putting on the show, and to discuss some of the issues which it raises, including mystery and miracle, what is temporary and what lasts.

Tickets, limited in number, are available via Eventbrite and are free (although it will be possible to make a personal donation to LAMPS - a registered charity, which would normally be on tour at this time of year).

The show’s star, Emma Jane Ramsden said: “Being part of this show has been such a special experience for me and to share this beautiful story with people from my home-town is a real privilege. 

“I hope that it helps to offer some real comfort, peace and joy during Advent and makes people smile.”

Emma Jane is a founding member of LAMPS who create shows and resources with Christian themes. 

You can book your place at the free showing by going to www.Eventbrite.co.uk and search ‘Bread & Starlight – Glossopdale Christmas Show’.