Overview
Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus was a bustling, busy place. Lots of visitors were arriving for the census, with many travelling long distances across deserts on their camels. ‘Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong’ is a light-hearted retelling of the traditional nativity story from the perspective of these curious and bewildered animals as they witness the incredible events unfold, with opportunities for several fun and varied speaking roles. When Baby Jesus arrives, it seems a great reason for these party-loving camels to celebrate!
Synopsis
In the grounds of a castle far away in the East, while its residents sleep soundly, some camels are doing what they love most ‒ having a party (CAMELS LIKE TO PARTY).
When an unusual star appears over the castle, excitement spreads. The Magi and their entourage must follow it without delay ‒ but where are the camels when they’re needed? Eventually, they are found and, with much grumbling, agree to set off. Soon, the Magi, their camels, the herders and the helpers are on their way (CAMELLING OVER THE DESERT).
Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, a group of camels is settled for the night outside a stable, their owners having arrived for the census. As they ponder why they weren’t given a comfortable inn like their masters, they notice a young couple searching for a place to stay. The town is bustling, and the inns are quickly filling up (DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN).
The camels are surprised when the young couple, Mary and Joseph, are led into the stable. Their surprise grows when a group of shepherds arrives, asking them where to find a baby. As the innkeeper points the shepherds toward the stable, the camels wonder what will happen next. The surprises aren’t over, though ‒ an enormous star appears in the sky, seemingly searching for the baby too (A STAR IS SHINING).
Just as the camels think things couldn’t get any stranger or more exciting, their fellow camels arrive, carrying the Magi. Now, more than ever, they are eager to see Baby Jesus. But there’s one problem ‒ camels aren’t allowed in the stable. How will they convince everyone to let them in (CAMEL-AMA-DING-
DONG)?
The camels are finally allowed into the stable ‒ but their noisy protests wake the baby! Thankfully, when they sing a special song just for Jesus, everyone is delighted (WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL BABY).
Everybody is so happy to see Baby Jesus. As they watch him in the manger, the camels realise this may not be the time for a party. Until, to the camels’ delight, someone suggests that to truly celebrate, it might be a good idea (DOWN AT THE STABLE)!
Script Samples
Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong - sample script
CHARACTER LIST with number of lines:
The play has been written with 40 individual speaking parts, including an announcer, six narrators plus non-speaking roles for travellers, villagers and angels. There is also plenty to do for a large ensemble.
The parts fall into the following groups:
- Magi's Camels
- Bethlehem Camels
- Camel Herders
- Innkeepers
- Helpers
- Shepherds
- Mary and Joseph
- The Maji
- Travellers
- Villagers
- Angels
| Announcer | 1 | Head Camel Herder | 3 + 1 joint | Innkeeper 1 | 1 |
| Narrator 1 | 3 | Camel Herder 1 | 1 + 1 joint | Innkeeper 2 | 1 |
| Narrator 2 | 3 | Camel Herder 2 | 1 + 1 joint | Innkeeper 3 | 1 |
| Narrator 3 | 3 | Camel Herder 3 | 1 + 1 joint | Innkeeper 4 | 3 |
| Narrator 4 | 3 | Camel Herder 4 | 1 + 1 joint | Mary | 2 |
| Narrator 5 | 2 | Helper 1 | 1 | Joseph | 1 |
| Narrator 6 | 2 | Helper 2 | 1 | Shepherd 1 | 2 + 1 joint |
| Magi's Camels | | Helper 3 | 1 | Shepherd 2 | 1 + 1 joint |
| Two Toes | 4 + 2 joint | Bethlehem Camels | | Shepherd 3 | 1 + 1 joint |
| Tumbleweed | 3 + 2 joint | Humpy | 4 + 3 joint | Bethlehem Star | 1 |
| Waffle | 3 + 2 joint | Flora | 5 + 3 joint | Travellers looking for rooms | non-speaking |
| Tesla | 3 + 2 joint | Eyelashes | 5 + 3 joint | Villagers | non-speaking |
| Gobi | 2 + 2 joint | Legs | 5 + 3 joint | Angels | non-speaking |
| Lofty | 2 + 2 joint | Storm | 5 + 3 joint | | |
| Magi | | Topsy | 5 + 3 joint | | |
| Melchior | 1 | | | | |
| Balthazar | 1 | | | | |
| Caspar | 1 | | | | |
