The performance will be presented in aid of the Art Room Charity. The cast will be accompanied by musicians and a children's choir.

According to press materials, the play is a nativity play like no other. Woven through with myths and beliefs from many cultures, Barlow's play upends the traditional Christmas tale and retells it as a story relevant for now. Mary doesn't want the baby, the holy star goes awol, there's a talking donkey, an over-excited midwife, three wise women and a shepherd with an angel-obsession. Not to mention a disgruntled God who wakes in the nick of time to see the earth facing disaster and a Herod who wages war on the world's children.

The Art Room is a charity offering art as therapy to children and young people aged 5-16 who may be at risk of exclusion from school. Employing psychotherapists, teachers and artists, art is used to raise the young people's self-esteem, self confidence and independence.

Barlow's other plays include his adaptation of John Buchan's The 39 Steps, currently running at the West End's Criterion Theatre and Off-Broadway's New World Stages.

To book tickets, priced £75, contact the box office on 020 7359 4404, or visit www.almeida.co.uk.