Open the Book Team

Open the Book is a project which offers primary school children an opportunity to hear key Bible stories, from a team of Christians from local churches, who present the stories during assemblies/acts of Collective Worship. Each drama presentation takes around 10–15 minutes and can be incorporated into a wider school assembly, or can stand alone. It is a three-year rolling programme with an additional, but optional year of material based on Christian Values for schools. You may not be aware of it but in Monkwearmouth Parish we have an Open the Book Team, led by Revd. Andrew Watson.

The team visits 2 local schools - one weekly and the other once a month and perform a short bible story with participation from some of the school children who enjoy dressing up in the costumes and acting out the roles they are given. 

After each performance the team return to St. Andrew’s, Priestman Hall and unpack the costumes and props. After a welcome cup of coffee the team then look to the next weeks performance and how many team members and children will be required to produce the drama. After parts are given out the team rehearse for the next weeks story and check what props and costumes are needed. Luckily, many of the props are homemade by members of the team and these can be reused for different stories. The costumes are all handmade and are recycled from sheets, curtains, old skirts etc and of course, tea towels make ideal Arab style headcover!  

The team is only small and we are always looking for new members so if you would like to find out more about joining the Open the Book Team please contact Andrew Watson. Apart from the performance - approx 15 minutes - the time involved in rehearsal and preparation is around 2 hours a week. You may only be able to do the Monday or the Tuesday, not both and that’s fine. A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required to take part in the team for Safeguarding requirements. If you would like to find out more or perhaps come and observe a performance to see what happens you are more than welcome to do this.

Check out our photo gallery below for photos of some of our team!