'Epiphanised! (AKA The Summergate Church of England Primary School Nativity Play is Cancelled)' is the latest work by local playwright Andrew Sharpe. In December 2025 he was part of the amateur chorus that performed ‘A Christmas Carol’ as a play with songs sung a capella, at the Criterion, a sellout run. That in turn inspired him to write this play to form the basis of a Christmas musical.
We are pleased to be having an open reading of the new work, and even singing a few out of season Christmas carols for good measure!
Synopsis:
The UK, a few years hence. Pursued by social services, refugees Josph and heavily pregnant Mary seek shelter in the workshop of a primary school. They are sheltered by an alliance of three unwise men, and a trio of falling angels, all led by head teacher Cassandra Shepherd and her teenage daughter Magdalene. Together they take on the might of the system, personified by social worker and school governor, Lucinda who has cancelled the nativity play and plans to close the school itself.
Anyone is welcome to come along and participate in the reading or just listen to the play read aloud. Please pass along to your networks and anyone who might be interested in the reading.
If you would like to read a part please RSVP to artisticdirector@criteriontheatre.co.uk by 10th April.