Flint Street Nativity

Congratulations Horsehay Amateur Dramatic Society on your final production of your 75th Anniversary year, “The Flint Street Nativity” complete with musical accompaniment. 
 
The play in summary is about Miss Horrick’s class of 7 year olds at Flint Street Primary School who are preparing for their school nativity and what unfolds brings pure Christmas joy, especially when adults play the parts of those 7 year olds. If you have ever been involved with a nativity this is a wonderful play that brings together all of the joy and terror that it brings.
 
Opening night brought a few first night nerves as the cast became familiar with the audiences laughter. However a sterling cast of performers directed by Edward Davies and musical direction by Caroline Killen certainly left its audience with the Christmas spirit in this feel good production. It took me a while to realise that Alex Edwards was playing both the role of Marcus (the bright shining star) and Sam (the Ass, complete with his disguise of a square cardboard head) as he slipped easily in and out of each character. A particularly touching scene between new friends Sam and Adrian (Wise Frankincense) whilst sitting on the play equipment really made me forget that I was watching two grown men playing the roles of children.
 
There were some well-delivered, deadpan comedic lines from Lisa Kane as Zoe (the Shepherd) that the audience reacted to with either full on horror or laughter. Never again will I be able to sing Silent night without thinking of  “a fat man called John Verger”! An enthusiastic and slightly psychopathic Ashley (Gabriel) was played by Nikki McCabe, sabotaging the baby Jesus and stepping in to play the “2nd Mary” even when not required too and a sinister Ray Callister as Bradley (the Inn Keeper) all added to the delight of the evening as the play gained momentum.
 
It was lovely to see the level of detail and thought that had been put into this play including the multi-level set which worked well with an incredible 19 scene changes plus change of prospective and the oversized costumes complete with a dash of festive tinsel. 
 
You can always tell a good production from the reaction of its audience. A great team effort by all and a most enjoyable evening.
 

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