Mary And Joseph Brave Oxford Circus On A Donkey

By Londonist Staff Last edited 119 months ago

Last Updated 10 December 2014

Mary And Joseph Brave Oxford Circus On A Donkey
The Wintershall Players, Nativity cast with donkey 
24th November 2013
Chester (donkey)
Rachel Burdon (Virgin Mary)
Tim Hendy (Joseph)


Photo by Justin W Thomas
Chester the donkey negotiating rush hour. Photo by Justin Thomas.
A choir and volunteers from in and around London will perform. Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
A choir and volunteers from in and around London will perform. Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
Sheep rehearsing. Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
Sheep rehearsing. Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
The Angel Gabriel will appear on the roof of All Soul’s Church (please note: it's an actor not the real one). Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
The Angel Gabriel will appear on the roof of All Soul’s Church (please note: it's an actor not the real one). Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC.
The Wintershall Players, Nativity cast with donkey 
24th November 2013
Chester (donkey)
Rachel Burdon (Virgin Mary)
Tim Hendy (Joseph)


Photo by Justin W Thomas
Mary and Joseph, possibly deciding whether to spend the gold in H&M. Photo by Justin Thomas.

Chester the donkey is said to be a bit of a diva, but hopefully the method-acting mule will be on form next week when he escorts actors playing Mary and Joseph through Oxford Circus at the start of the Wintershall Nativity.

Chester’s trot through the commuters and Christmas shoppers is the first part of an impressive performance that will also feature a cast of 50, a choir and a live flock of sheep.

It’s the second year the nativity has been held in London though it’s become a stable staple back in Surrey’s Wintershall Estate over the last 25 years — with Chester starring in it for the last decade. Come Wednesday, the pressure will be on the equine thespian as he weaves his way from the BBC Broadcasting House Piazza in a procession lasting around 15 minutes (depending on how many other nags and asses get in his way), before he delivers his passenger to All Souls Church, Langham Place, where the hour-long ticketed show takes place.

There will be two London performances of the Wintershall Nativity at 4pm and 6.30pm on 17 December. The start is free to watch but tickets must be bought for the action inside All Souls Church. £20.50 for adults and £10.50 for children.