In the years after the Second World War, St Mary’s Church in Laira was not only a place of worship but also a hub for local community life. One of the highlights was the staging of Fairer Than the Sun, a nativity play written and produced by E. J. Hannaford. It gave parishioners a chance to come together and celebrate the Christmas story in a creative way.
The play was set out with a prologue, three acts, and an epilogue. Act One took the audience to faraway places, including the Temple of Fire Worship and the palaces of the Magi. Act Two moved closer to the heart of the story, with scenes in Jerusalem and a shepherd’s cave near Bethlehem. Act Three brought the focus to the inn at Bethlehem and ended with a tableau of the Nativity, accompanied by the “Slumber Song of the Madonna.” The epilogue rounded things off with a quiet reflection.
It was very much a team effort. E. T. James acted as stage manager, while music was provided by St Mary’s Octet under the direction of G. H. S. Taylor. Violinist H. Farley and soprano Ruth Spencer added to the performance. Together, they created a simple but moving production that blended drama, music, and worship.
For the people of Laira, Fairer Than the Sun was more than just a play. It was a way of marking the season, sharing faith, and enjoying the talents of local performers. In a community still finding its feet after the war, the play offered a sense of hope and togetherness that was warmly remembered.
