A good-value nativity play pack should include everything you need to perform without extra purchases: editable scripts, vocal and backing tracks, sheet music, words for the children (on screen or printable), and a performance licence. Before you buy, check whether the licence, backing tracks and recording rights are included in the price or sold separately. Those add-ons are where a “cheap” nativity can end up costing more.
By Stuart Ross, writer and publisher of children’s nativity plays since 2000 · 30 October 2026
It’s a familiar story I’ve heard more than once, someone who bought a “bargain” nativity elsewhere, then found the backing tracks cost extra, an editable script cost extra, PowerPoints cost extra, the licence covered just one performance, and filming it for parents needed yet another fee. By then the cheap option had cost more than double ours!
So here’s the checklist I’d use myself. It works for any publisher’s nativity, not just ours.
The checklist
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Editable script (Word, not just PDF) | You’ll want to add or remove parts to fit your group. |
| More than one script version | A simpler version for younger or smaller casts saves you rewriting. |
| Vocal and backing tracks | Children learn from the vocal track and perform to the backing track. |
| Sheet music | Essential if you have a pianist or music teacher. |
| Song words for children | On-screen words (PowerPoint or lyric videos) and printable song sheets. |
| Scenery or backdrops | Projected scenery saves days of painting. |
| Staging and costume advice | Especially helpful if it’s your first production. |
| Performance licence included | Required for any performance of a published play, even with free admission. |
| How many performances | Some licences cover one show; you may want to do several shows. |
| Recording licence | Needed if you’ll film the show for families. |
| How many devices / staff | Several staff will want access to the tracks and script. |
| Instant access | Waiting for a CD or book in the post costs you rehearsal time. |
| Can you hear it first? | Free song and script samples let you check it’s right before you pay. |
Watch out for “hidden extras”
When comparing prices, add up the total cost of putting on the show, not just the headline price. Common extras sold separately include:
- the performance licence (sometimes priced per performance)
- backing tracks or a separate “accompaniment” pack
- a licence to film or stream the performance
- extra copies of the script or access for more staff
A pack that looks cheap can cost more once these are added. Ask the publisher: “Is the licence included, and how many performances does it cover?”
What’s included in a Learn2soar Digital Publication
Every Learn2soar Christmas show comes as a Digital Publication, with instant access on any device. Every title includes:
- E-book (PDF) and editable scripts (most titles include two or three script variations)
- Vocal and backing tracks for every song
- Sheet music and a song sheet
- PowerPoint scenery and PowerPoint song words
- Staging advice
- A one-year licence, including:
- Performance Licence: stage as many performances as you like, with or without admission charges, and no need to tell us your dates
- User Licence: access on up to 4 devices (extended Site Licences are available)
- Recording Licence: record and share or stream your performance free to up to 50 users (extended licences available)
Many titles also include lyric videos for children to sing along to.
Price: from £45 for most Christmas titles, and £30 for Christmas Play in ONE Day. Prices are shown automatically in your local currency, and there’s no automatic renewal.
Prefer a CD as well? In the UK, the Complete Pack adds an audio CD posted to you, alongside everything above.
Want children to practise at home? Add a Rehearsal Page: a private, password-protected page for families with the lyric videos and audio, so you never have to share your login. More about Rehearsal Pages.
Ordered before? Returning customers get an automatic renewal discount when logged in.
How to get the best value
- Choose a show that fits your group size and age range, so you won’t waste time rewriting.
- Pick a show with enough script versions so it works if your numbers change.
- Check the licence covers all your performances and your recording.
- Listen to and read the free samples first. If the children love the samples, the rest is easy.
- Order early enough to rehearse. Digital Publications are instant, so even a late decision still leaves you every rehearsal day.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest way to put on a nativity play?
Look for a pack that includes the script, tracks and performance licence in one price, with no per-performance fees. Our Christmas Play in ONE Day is £30, including a licence for unlimited performances for a year.
Do I need a licence if we don’t charge for tickets?
Yes. Schools, churches, nurseries, preschools and children’s groups need a licence to perform a published play, even if admission is free or it’s “only for parents”. Your annual licence is automatically included with Learn2soar Music. No extra paperwork.
Can I film the performance?
With a Learn2soar Digital Publication, yes: the included Recording Licence lets you share or stream it free to up to 50 users, and larger licences are available.
Can schools pay by invoice?
Recognised UK schools can choose to pay by school invoice at checkout. Everyone else, worldwide, can pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
