New nativity drama set for Christmas on BBC1
 By Mark Sims
A new version of a familiar story is coming to BBC One next week, in the form of ‘The Nativity’, a drama in four half-hour episodes to be broadcast on consecutive nights from December 20 at 7pm.
“With Mary and Joseph's enduring love story at the centre this familiar story is given a contemporary twist, as the drama follows Joseph and Mary from their initial courtship – Joseph desperate to win the heart of Mary – to his emotional turmoil at her unexpected pregnancy,” says the BBC.
The Church Media Network has created a website about ‘The Nativity’, with information as well as advice on how the Christian community can best approach the four-part drama. Whilst pointing out that it was conceived as a drama for all and not an evangelical exercise, the site suggests ways in which churches can use it as a springboard for teaching and further discussion, such as holding a themed event or debate.
Poringland rector Robert Parsonage expressed his hopes for the new drama: “In the past, I’ve been disappointed with the BBC’s attempts at dramatising biblical narrative, especially when it comes to their treatment of the miraculous,” he said. “My hope and prayer is that this series, even allowing for some artistic licence, stays true to the biblical account, especially so concerning the narrative of the miraculous virginal conception, resulting in the birth of our Lord, who is both fully God and fully man.”
Tony Jordan, creator of ‘Hustle’ and co-creator of ‘Life On Mars’ wrote the drama for Kudos Film and Television, who also produce ‘The Nativity’. He said: "The challenge for me was to retell a story that has been told countless times before...yet to do so in a way that will still surprise and move you, to see parts of the story you'd never seen before. I really think that we've achieved that."
The programme features a high-profile cast, with Andrew Buchan (‘Cranford’, ‘Garrow’s Law’) as Joseph, Peter Capaldi (‘The Thick Of It’) as Balthasar, Art Malik (‘Poirot’, ‘Holby City’) as Nicolaus and newcomer Tatiana Maslany as Mary.
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