Nativity

NATIVITY THE MUSICAL

Presented by

Five Towns Theatre

Based on the hit film, this Christmas show was a revelation, with book and lyrics by Debbie Isitt. Music by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager.

Three school friends, Paul, Gordon and Jennifer, love to perform, they all go off to drama school with big dreams. Two fall in love, very funny bit of comic business here; Jennifer has the chance to follow their Hollywood dreams, leaving Paul and Gordon both going into teaching, at very different ends of the Ofsted scale. 

Paul Maddens played with real heart by Thom Wilde, has become bitter with his lot, losing the love of his life, teaching unruly children at a failing school, plus getting an absolutely dismal review from sanctimonious local newspaper critic Patrick Burns, wickedly played by Nathan Adams.

Five-star review rival Jordan Harrison as obsessed sneering Gordon Shakespeare teaches at the poshest of posh schools, drilling ‘win at all costs’ mantra into his educationally privileged pupils. 

What may have started as friendly rivalry has become embittered sniping, as Gordon lords it over Paul at every opportunity.

Enter Desmond Poppy, a truly amazing performance from Andrew Turner. His off-the-wall antics as new Teaching Assistant to Paul wins over the children as quickly as it infuriates and frustrates Paul. This is a beautifully written and observed character, portrayed with a nuance and subtlety of professional standard.

The fun really begins when Mr. Poppy accidentally overhears a robust encounter between Paul and Gordon with Paul stating former girlfriend Jennifer Lore, Leah Dowell, now seconded successfully in Hollywood, is bringing ‘Hollywood’ to Coventry to sign up St Bernadette’s Nativity for the movies.

Enthused beyond reason Mr. Poppy tells everyone including his auntie, school principal Mrs. Patricia Bevans, subtlety played by Rosemary Gresty, gin bottle in hand, very concerned for the financial future of the school, she leaps on this lifeline, alerting the national media, as the lie snowballs, the excitement of all involved is palpable, oozing off the stage, the school is catapulted into the public eye with everyone wanting to be in the movies.

Paul under increasing pressure to deliver relies on Mr. Poppy’s wild ideas to create the amazing Nativity show, starting of course with auditions, I really loved Sylvia Evans Irish Reverend’s one-woman recreation of ‘Ce La Vie’ by Bewitched. One of many stand out performances, particularly the children.

Incandescent with disbelief Gordon’s frantic BlueSky session with his pupils to somehow counter St Bernadette’s Nativity, finally settling on the over the top ‘Herod The Rock Musical’. Brilliant, I’m still chuckling when I think about this scene.

Act Two opener was reminiscent of ‘Gotta Dance’ from Singing In The Rain. Hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Good movement. The Star Tour bus scene pilled the laugh out loud scale even higher.

I must congratulate everyone involved in bringing this gem of a show to the stage, despite a technical issue in Act Two quickly and ably resolved, the cast, young and old, sound, lighting, costumes were all of a high standard. The musicians under MD Keith Ragdale rose to the technical challenge and were superb throughout. I must also mention the wonderful children in the cast, they really stepped up, enthusiastically immersing themselves in the positive essence of the story.

There was such heartfelt emotion, passion, and sheer joy in this show, it was utterly infectious. 

A very funny, very entertaining quintessential feel-good Christmas story. Magical!

 

 

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