YOUNGSTERS from Durham Choristers' School's pre-prep department are staging a nativity play this week. They will perform The Sleepy Shepherd today, tomorrow and on Thursday in the cathedral's Chapter House. Headmaster Stephen Drew said the sleepy shepherd of the title - played by seven-year-old Christopher Swan, above - discovers that Christmas is definitely worth staying awake for. As usual, the cast includes lots of reception-aged sheep and a host of year one angels. Mary is played by Anna Connaughton, six, and Joseph by Christopher Hall, seven. The public can attend the performance on Thursday, which starts at 2.30pm. The choristers are visiting Sao Paolo in Brazil, but will return for Christmas services at the cathedral. A collection at the pre-prep nativity play will go towards helping street children in Brazil.