The Stable (formerly known as Stable on the Strand) is an annual nativity play in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.[1][2] It has been described as "part installation, part fun fair and part theatrical performance".[3]
The play is staged from 18 to 22 December on The Strand in Townsville. The festivities also include a mock Bethlehem with actors playing soldier, shepherds and the Holy Family The event attracts up to 40,000 visitors a year.[4]
History
edit1999
editThe Stable was created in the Mount Louisa youth center in 1999 by Jay Goodwin and Anne Harley, and was attended by 120 people on the opening night.
2002
editThe Stable moved to the Strand and acquired the name 'The Stable on the Strand'.[5] The original baby Jesus was played by Lachlan Crossan.[6]
2020
editDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, Stable on the Stand changed to incorporate 'stations' around Townsville that people would drive past. This was also helped by the creation of the event-specific Star Chase app, which showcased the locations of the Stable on the Strand 'station' displays and local light displays for people to create their own driving tours of the attractions.[7]
2021
editStable on the Strand relocated to Riverway to explore the opportunity a different location provides when reaching their audience.[7]
2022
editThe Stable on the Strand changed their name to The Stable. The Stable in 2022 - bringing a gift of love to the people of Townsville this Christmas through an exciting hybrid event. We are going to light up the city with Stable on the Streets displays by inviting the community to again create and register their Christmas displays. In December, an interactive map will come alive and allow people to drive around and see the visual displays depicting the message of Christmas. Come and join us at Stable at Riverway from the 18–22 December, as we immerse ourselves in the story of Christmas with live actors, realistic scenes, costumes, animals and activities for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be heaps of entertainment, a wide selection of food and a designated youth area.
This is a great event for the whole family to come to this Christmas. A free bus will run along Riverway Drive to pick up families from within the area.
The story
editThe play is an interactive re-creation of the traditional Christmas story, and it involves up to 1,000 volunteers per year.[8] In 2002, it was awarded the honour of Townsville's Event of the Year.
Features
edit
- The Stable Village - vendors and actors in costume
- Hospitality Areas - food and beverages
- Stable on the Streets - Christmas lights displays around Townsville
- Stable at Riverway - The story of Christmas with live actors, realistic scenes, costumes, animals and activities.
References
edit- ^ Macdonald, Emily (18 December 2012). "Stable on the Strand set for 'marry' Christmas". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
- ^ "Stable on the Strand takes Christmas back to basics again this Year". Townsville News Online. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
- ^ Fernbach, Nathalie (23 December 2010). "Journey into Bethlehem". ABC (Australia). Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
- ^ "Stable on the Strand seeking Volunteers for 2011". MySuburbanNews.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
- ^ Anne, Harley (2 December 2012). "Letter to the Congregation" (doc). Church News & Notes - Vol 51 No. 45. Mount Louisa House of Praise. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ Fernbach, Nathalie; Calderwood, Kathleen (22 December 2015). "Very first Stable on The Strand baby still supports Townsville event 17 years on". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ a b "The Stable". The Stable. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Kellner, Lydia (8 December 2012). "Big Stable expected but volunteers needed". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 3 April 2013.