Rather than a traditional stage show, audiences walk through the grounds, following the nativity story step by step.
Director Polly King says the setting is what makes it special.

“This nativity performance is something that is very unique because we are in the Surrey hills so we start open air,” she said.

“So we get to have a visual treat of Mary’s house to begin with, the journey up to Bethlehem, outside the inn, the shepherds in the field and then we have the story in the barn.”

“I believe it’s really important for children and families to experience together and it really kickstarts Christmas!”

The production includes animals, a real baby playing Jesus, and around 100 volunteers, many of whom return year after year.

Harry Babbington, who has been involved since he was two years old, plays the Angel Michael.“You get a feeling like you don’t get anywhere else in the world,” he said.

|

GB NEWS

“I think that’s what keeps everyone coming back here really — people that watch it, people that are in it, even the volunteers that are behind the scenes, all of them just feel such a deep sense of purpose.”

The Wintershall nativity was founded in 1989 by Ann and Peter Hutley. It is now produced by their daughter, Charlotte De Klee.

She says the production offers a contrast to modern Christmas pressures.

“People have got totally swept away in spending lots of money and debt,” she said.

|

GB NEWS

“Actually, children are sort of more geared towards Father Christmas than they are about Mary and Joseph on their donkey.”

“This is paired back to how we imagine it really was that first Christmas.”

Organisers say many leave visibly moved.

Wintershall also stages other large-scale biblical productions, including Passion of Jesus and The Nativity Trail.