2017.

The time when 3000 citizens of Hull, journeyed through their city streets following the brightest star and discovering the good news.

An invitation. A journey. A celebration.

We told a story. Choirs sang from the rooftops and local Musicians scored the way.
We met with and wise folk, familiar shepheards, parkouring angels and other famous faces. Before arriving in the Minster Square, rudely interrupted by a DJ Herod battle, splitting the crowd and making way for the real baby Jesus to join us. We partied.

You fed the camels with legendary local Bob Carver chips.

Choirs sang from rooftops and out of windows of our favourite independent cafes and bars.

Look up.

We sang along to songs about joy, hope & peace following the moving stars.

Police woman and MPs watched their flocks by night.

The wise Rosie Millard brought her gifts from a far as you crowd surfed them delivering them to the stable.

DJ Herod dropped some fat rythmic beats and we had that mass sing off in the square.

Your BBC newsreader (angel Gabriel) declares news of great joy from a cherry picker.

We attached huge helium balloon stars to 3 narrators who danced and free ran their way over city landscapes so we knew where to go.

We met up with a fat but faithful Mary and nervous tired Joseph.

You knocked at the door at the Bonny Boat.
the one on the corner?

Linda the legendary landlady popped out of the pub, “nur room here. It’s a busy year in Hull. But (beat) - there’s a small old stable out the back”

the city’s growing processions down below

She didn’t need a mic.

she flipping nailed it.

We played pass the parcel and delivered gifts to the wooden manger, built by hand by James and his son and his mates.

You cleared the way for a real baby Jesus (3 day old Zack from Hull) we watched in awe and wonder.

The police band tuned up and the brass started a fire

We all forgot our lines and then Joseph have the megaphone to the Mayor of the town. He did something wild.

The doors of the most beautiful building in the city opened and everyone was invited in for mulled wine, to explore more, to think, rest, to dance, play, taste, light a candle, meet friends in the warm, explore more about the story and sing some more.

We needed your help.

You came with us.

We sang together.

We told a story.

You shared yours.

We discovered our city again.

We played a game.

We came together.

It was good.

COMPANY & CREW

The Heavenly Host Choir – The Believe in Hull Choir 300 local singers.

Professional cast. Cameo cast. Community Chorus. Local Musicians. Brass band – Humberside Police

Hosts: Katie Brier, Hannah Parker, Dan Morgan
Mary: Rachel Barnes

Angel Gabriel: Peter Levy (BBC Look North)

Wise Folk/Magi: Rosie Millard and daughter, Inspector Kirsty Tock (Humberside Police), Jon Pywell (council City of Culture supremo)

King Herod: James Ash

Herod soldiers: Mark Andrews, Dave Sharp

Shepherds: Bishop Alison White, Bishop Frank White, Gareth Yardley.

Camel feeder: Bob Carver of Bob Carve’s Fish and Chips.

Choir of Angels: Phil Creasey, Deb Stevenson, Becky Shipman, Julie Buffey, Helen Symonds and daughters

Inn keepers: Lisa (Kingston Pub Landlady)

CREW & CREATIVE SQUAD

Rev Matt Woodcock
Sarah Louise Davies - Director and Script Adaptation
James Symonds - Production Management Justine Peacock - City Security
Louise Brown - Production Assistant
Kia Macphearson - Choral Music

Made possible by Hull BID, Believe in Hull, Hull City Council, Hull Minster & the people of Hull.

Participants: 3500

Spend : £10,000

In kind support £8000

Maybe the next city adventure could involve...

Live Spray Painting, Story by bike, A boat ride, a rooftop BBQ, a hot air balloon and giant game of hide and seek.