LAMPS Collective tells the story of Elizabeth, mother of the John the Baptist, in a one-woman Advent production.
The Bread and Starlight production combines story-telling, song and space for reflection in a pause for thought before Christmas. Building on the popularity of the show in 2019, the production is touring churches during Advent and coming to the Diocese of Oxford at the beginning of December.
Sam Pullen-Campbell, Artistic Director at LAMPS Collective, shared her hopes for the production:
"During the pandemic, the arts sector was heavily impacted by multiple lockdowns and the long-term closure of theatres. We were unable to welcome audiences to live performances including during Advent last year, so we are really excited to be back sharing with and inspiring our audiences.
"With Theatres and community spaces now open again we hope that Bread and Starlight will present a different angle to a typical Advent. We hope to inspire people to think about the place of the mother of John the Baptist in the Gospel story of Jesus and her relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus. The cousins spending three months of their miraculous pregnancies together is at the heart of the play.
"The show is a unique blend of drama, music and reflection that will cast a fresh light on Christmas. We hope that it brings local communities together to enjoy a live experience following last year and helps them to look forward to Christmas with a renewed sense of wonder."
Two performances will show on Saturday 4 December at St Leonard’s Church, Sunningwell, Oxford. Tickets are £10 and are available to buy online.
LAMPS is a collective of artists who produce live events and creative resources for churches. The Christian Theatre Company was founded by Chris Matthewman, a Baptist Minister, in 2014. LAMPS aims to create thought-provoking and accessible work that will inspire, challenge and entertain. Find out more on the LAMPS Collective website.