Away with the manger

The Nativity narratives satisfy pretty much everyone: from haute bourgeois art lovers to homeless souls, unwed mothers, anxious dads, lovers of animals, even astrologers. They don't satisfy me, however, because I find they sweeten and sugar-coat the true message.

And I am not talking about the embarrassing moment a few years back when Madame Tussaud's decided to render Posh and Becks as Mary and Joseph alongside Bush and Blair as two of the 'Wisemen'. No, my issue lies in its lies. Because isn't the 'away in a manger' story the biblical equivalent of modern day spin? Does it not conveniently focus on Jesus' birth to obviate the later years of his bloody, mortal conflict? No, I can't help but be a bit cynical. A sentiment not helped by the fact that I still don't know what myrrh is, or a manger for that matter. Nor have I got over the injustice of the fat kid in class always getting stuck playing the donkey.

But if the thought of all those cotton wool costumes hasn't compromised your longing for that warm and fuzzy seasonal feeling then you are in luck. Because tomorrow is the start of The London Nativity, a much herald return of The Steam Industry's 2004 production in the Scoop, the amphitheatre space outside City Hall next to Tower Bridge. It's free, outdoors, and an hour long, so wrap up - or better yet, stay warm with mulled wine and mince pies. No need to book.

The London Nativity at The Scoop, Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 December, 6.30pm each night, Sunday 24 December 2.30pm.