The Grumpy Sheep and the Good News

Length: 30 minutes 

Cast Size: 8–16 actors

Ideal for: Children’s church programs, Sunday school plays, primary schools, small churches

Props Needed: Simple sheep costume pieces, shepherd tunics, stable backdrop, manger, basic angel accessories

The Grumpy Sheep and the Good News is a heartwarming and funny Christmas play that retells the nativity story through the eyes of an adorably stubborn sheep. Grumpy Sheep wants nothing to do with the manger scene—complaining about the hay, the noise, the other sheep, and just about everything else. His dramatic reactions, exaggerated grumbling, and witty comments bring laughter to both children and adults.

As the story unfolds, the shepherds try desperately to convince Grumpy to join them in Bethlehem after angels announce the birth of Jesus. Along the way, Grumpy meets joyful angels, excited villagers, and the Holy Family themselves. Through these encounters, his hard heart softens, leading to a beautiful transformation when he finally sees baby Jesus.

The script balances humor and tenderness, making it perfect for younger performers who love silly roles, while older children enjoy playing shepherds, angels, and villagers with meaningful lines. Scenes are short, simple to rehearse, and easy to stage in small spaces.

The play concludes with a touching moment as Grumpy realizes that Christmas is not about comfort or perfect hay—it’s about God coming close to all of us, even the grumpy ones. With charming dialogue, relatable themes, and a message of love and grace, The Grumpy Sheep and the Good News is a delightful choice for Christmas events of any size.

The Grumpy Sheep and the Good News

A Christmas Comedy for Kids and Families

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Basic Info

• Length: ~30 minutes

• Cast Size: 8–16 actors (flexible, roles can be doubled or expanded)

• Best For: Children’s church, Sunday school, small churches, school Christmas programs

• Set: Simple field + stable backdrop. Cardboard stars, a manger, a bit of “hay” (paper / fabric), and simple costumes.

Cast of Characters

• Narrator – Calm, friendly guide; helps connect scenes and keep things moving.

• Grumpy – The grumpy sheep; dramatic, funny, always complaining.

• Fluffy – A cheerful sheep who tries to stay positive.

• Woolly – Another sheep; a little slow but very sweet and silly.

• Shepherd 1 (Eli) – Caring and patient; takes his job seriously.

• Shepherd 2 (Jonah) – Jokes a lot but has a kind heart.

• Shepherd 3 (Micah) – Can be added if you need more roles; a bit nervous.

• Angel Gabriel – Main angel; confident and joyful.

• Angel 2 & Angel 3 – Additional angels (optional choir of angels can be added).

• Mary – Gentle and calm.

• Joseph – Protective, steady, and kind.

• Villager 1 & Villager 2 – For comic moments on the road to Bethlehem.

• Innkeeper – Harried but not unkind.

• Additional Sheep / Angels / Shepherds / Villagers – As needed to expand the cast.

(You can combine or split roles depending on how many children you have.)

Simple Set & Props

• Field Scene:

• Green cloth or paper on the floor to suggest grass

• A few cardboard sheep silhouettes or pillows with “ears”

• A lantern or fake campfire (battery tea lights under red/orange tissue)

• Stable Scene:

• Manger (a wooden crate or box with cloth)

• Simple backdrop of a stable or starry sky

• Baby doll wrapped in cloth for baby Jesus

• Costumes:

• Sheep: headbands with ears, white shirts, fluffy vests, or pinned-on cotton balls

• Shepherds: robes, scarves, belts, walking sticks

• Angels: white robes, tinsel halos, simple wings

• Mary & Joseph: robes and shawls

• Innkeeper/Villagers: simple robes or tunics

• Props:

• Clipboards or staffs for shepherds (optional)

• Small “hay” (paper strips)

• A big cardboard star for the stable scene