Three Christmas performances... one frantic mum
Last Wednesday I had the pleasure (and I do mean pleasure) of not one, not two, but three Christmas performances to watch in one day. All very different, of course, but in their own way each one of them was special and warmed my heart. The first was at Pip-Kins Day Nursery, Barnfield Hill to watch our three-year-old (and three quarters) son taking part in a rousing post-lunch performance of 'Jingle Bells', 'When Santa got Stuck up the Chimney' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star'. Led by an enthusiastic Rosemary, Pat and Eileen, who visit the nursery on a regular basis for sing-alongs, the children joined in with all manner of musical instruments and . All the children were mesmerised throughout and thrilled to receive a special visit from a 'visiting elf from the Caribbean' - an hilarious if slightly unconventional performance by nursery worker Becky Coleman complete with 3D cinema glasses and a tinsel hat.
Then it was back to work for the afternoon before dashing out once more to watch my daughter in her Year 2 production of 'Donkey for Sale' at St Leonard's Primary School. Having been a little irked at having to buy a donkey costume (rather than the angel costume we already had hanging in the wardrobe), I had to eat my words after she trotted onto the stage proud as punch and won me over with her impressive characterisation of 'tired donkey' brilliantly. In the words of Head Teacher Mrs Evans, "The donkeys stole the show!"
It always astounds me quite how they get all the children to perform so expertly for these Christmas shows. And I also applaud the way the school ensures no child feels left out, with all of the children having a equal part to play. My face was quite simply aching with all the smiling I was doing.
By this point I was flagging somewhat, but managed to get the children home and into the safe hands of my Mother-in-law before dashing out once again with my husband to attend the Exeter Philharmonic's Carols in the Cathedral performance, featuring Orbit Brass. Naturally, it was worth my effort, as it is one of the most magical highlights of the year. We had the added incentive that my Father-in-law was performing among the choir, and so another proud moment as the Exeter Phil tackled a mesmerisingly complicated range of beautiful carols.
Orbit Brass, who had travelled down from London with very little practise time in the Cathedral, were equally impressive. Along with the more traditional sounds you would expect from a quintet of this quality, there were a few surprises along the way. What was perhaps more surprising was that they had only been performing together since the Paralympic Games this summer, where they all appeared in other groups.
One of the highlights of the evening for me, was the audience participation. I love this time of the year, when I sing carols to my children (as much as they let me) as part of our bedtime routine, but being able to join in with this accomplished choir rejuvenated my spirits and really set me in the right frame of mind for Christmas.
To round off a special day, we dropped in at The Hourglass pub on Melbourne Place, where I enjoyed a glass of Burrow Hill Cider. This pub is my idea of perfection. A friendly atmosphere, slightly quirky decor and incredible food and drink on offer.
Roll on Christmas!
