IT was almost Christmas in the Wild Wood. Nigel the hedgehog, like all the other animals at the Oak Wood Animal School, was excitedly awaiting the Nativity play due to take place on Sunday afternoon.

He had been given the part of the Angel Gabriel, a part he had hoped to get at the auditions and for which he had practiced for weeks before. His friend Ollie Owl was the Star, Donna Donkey was of course the Donkey, whilst Mary was being played by Sally Squirrel and Joseph by Nigel's best friend William Weasel.

The great day arrived and all the animals from the Wild Wood were bustling into the school hall in great anticipation and excitement. Mrs Hedgehog sat at the very front, right in the middle to ensure she had the best view of Nigel in his important role. Walter Weasel was also on the front row (William's younger brother) along with Mrs Donkey and Mrs Squirrel, whilst at the back in the reserved seats sat Miss Badger the Headmistress and Mr Mole Nigel's teacher.

Behind stage Nigel and his friends were getting into their costumes, Donna Donkey was a little grumpy as she'd been told she didn't really need one. Nigel's costume had a long silver cape to his feet, he had little tassels at the bottom of it and his large wings were fastened to his prickles. All the school band were dressed in angel costumes as they had to follow Nigel during the performance playing like a chorus of angels.

The curtain went up and all was going well with the performance until Nigel first entrance. Disaster struck!! When the narrator, Megan Mouse, declared to the Shepherds "Behold, the Angel of the Lord" Nigel was supposed to float gently down to the stage from the ceiling. Unfortunately, in his enthusiasm, Nigel pulled too hard on the rope he was dangling from, instead of floating gently down he whisked across the top of the stage at great speed and flew over the heads of the entire audience and out of the open window at the back of the hall. He landed with a bump in a prickly holly bush, adding more prickles to his already prickly body.

Everybody rushed out of the hall, with Mrs Hedgehog at the front crying "Nigel, what are you doing, I knew this would end in disaster. Come down immediately". But Nigel couldn't get down "I can't get down" he wailed. Mr Mole, with his good mind, had gone to the store room at the back of the school and fetched a ladder. He placed this against the holly bush and lifted down the battered and shaken Nigel.

After brushing off his prickles and straightening out his costume Nigel led everyone back into the hall and the Nativity play continued without any further disruption. Nigel was spectacular but decided next year he'd settle for being a Shepherd. Perhaps it would be safer!!!!