Nativity- The Musical

“Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Only trouble is teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.” So states the sales pitch for Nativity! The Musical.

Nativity! The Musical is a new Stage Musical written by Debbie Isitt with Music by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager and is based on Isitt`s 2009 film of the same name following St Bernadette`s (a Coventry based Primary School) attempts to put on a musical version of the Nativity. I say based on, but it is basically lifted straight from the movie, with all of the same characters who`ve become a staple of Christmas viewing over the last few years. It tells the story of three friends (Paul Maddens, Jennifer Lore and Gordon Shakespeare) who grew up together and went off to theatre school with aspirations of making it big, but as is the way of things, life takes a different turn. Paul and Jennifer are an item, until Jennifer decides to leave to “make it big” in Hollywood. 

Roll on five years, Jennifer is in Hollywood, Paul is a joyless primary school teacher at St Bernadette`s, still pining for his lost love saddled with the task (again) of producing the school nativity. His childhood friend, Gordon, is also a teacher, charged with producing the nativity for a rival, private school, Oakmoor, and will stop at nothing to gain a five star review from local theatre critic, Patrick Burns. To help Mr Maddens in his task the Head of the school (Mrs Bevan) appoints her nephew, the child-like, hyperactive Mr Poppy, whose antics endear him to the children, but not necessarily Mr Maddens. From this point on, as is the case with many a Christmas story, mayhem ensues but it all turns out right in the end.

Will Patrick played the love struck Paul Maddens, exasperated by both his situation and Mr Poppy. Will did well to maintain his sullen demeanour, especially with all that was going on around him throughout.

Hayley Dent as Jennifer worked well with ‘Paul and Gordon’ in the opening montage and continued to do so throughout - Hayley once again showing us what a great voice she has.

Adam Barker took on the role of Gordon Shakespeare. You could tell that Adam relished the nastiness of the role in putting Paul down at every opportunity. He loved every moment in “Herod the Rock Opera”, as did the audience in his nefarious depiction of Herod.

Joanne Massey Holmes was great as the head teacher, Mrs Bevan, bullish in manner throughout, characteristics reminiscent of Sue Pollard`s Peggy and oblivious to the mayhem and disruption being caused by her nephew, the infantile, well-meaning Mr Poppy, played by Chris Barker.

Chris`s rapport with the children shone through and you could tell that Chris had embraced the role completely. Chris`s Mr Poppy saw life through a child`s eyes and the audience went along with his innocent, naïve, optimistic portrayal - with jokes for adults and children alike and the odd poo reference thrown in, the children loved it.

Other adult roles were played by Anthony Collins as the local critic,Patrick Burns, Josh Patrick (The Lord Mayor), Chris Wilson (Mr Parker), Mary Patrick (Miss Rye) and Russ Brown (varying Hollywood personnel).

But enough about those! This show really hangs on the children of St Bernadette`s and their relationship with Mr Maddens, Mrs Bevan and, of course, Mr Poppy.

Shout out first though, to Abbey Musical Youth`s children/kids/young adults for their representation of the rival school pupils of Oakmoor Prep. Their drilled and disciplined performance showed a marked difference to the children of St Bernadette`s - not in performance, of course, but in character. Even when one of the `pupils` got a step wrong, the others were so in character, they all glowered at that pupil in a manner true to their self-perceived station. Well done AMS Youth.

The Children of St Bernadette`s were delightfully played by the younger members of the group, hanging on every word that Mr Poppy said and every movement he made. You genuinely felt their affection towards Mr Poppy and Mr Maddens. Three of the main children`s roles were Ollie, Star and Angel Gabriel, played by Oliver Barker, Ella Anderson and Kingston Carter, all playing their roles with great enthusiasm - as did every one of the `un-named` children. As with the film, the number, Sparkle and Shine really did do what it says on the tin!

So, how does a Christmas story translate from the big screen to stage, whilst watching it in June?
It has all the elements of a great show there, great songs, great tunes, kids and lovable characters.

Although set in Coventry, the school seems to have had an influx of Cumbrians who sing in American accents. In the film, of course, you have the wonderful set pieces and backdrops- Hollywood and Coventry Cathedral etc, which are impossible to replicate, which is possibly why the first half seems more complete than the second. The second half has all of the best songs and of course the big finale, but it just doesn`t have the pace or the humour that the first half does - though that may be in the writing rather than the execution. The audience loved seeing their kids in the production and, in the end, that`s what counts to both those on-stage and those in the seats.

Staging was simple - a raised platform upstage in the centre to give a stage area and a different level to work on, with an extension on Stage Right for some of the scenes. Other scene changes were covered by a mixture of different props/furniture/accessories and projection depicting different areas with complimentary lighting.

Caroline Barker`s choreography was kept simple enough and effective enough for all of the members on-stage to perform.
Artistic and Musical Director Graham Barker should be really pleased with what he and the company achieved with this production.

Overall this was an enjoyable production and given the choice between a Panto at Christmas and Nativity! The Musical, it would be a really tough decision to make.

Thank you, CAST for your hospitality and invite.

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