Nativity the Musical

This was my first time seeing Nativity the Musical, and after watching Greenock Light’s production it has become a firm favourite with the soundtrack playing in the car a lot since!!  The whole tone of the show is just so charming and cheerful you could not help but fall in love with it and all the characters.  The musical follows Coventry based primary schools Oakmoor and St Bernadette's as they stage their annual Nativities.  At St Bernadette’s teacher Mr Maddens and his assistant, Mr Poppy mount their own inspired musical version of the nativity with the students, promising them that it will be adapted into a Hollywood movie.  At Oakmoor Mr Shakespeare takes a different rocky route, basing his on the story of King Herod.  The question is who will get the best review from the local theatre critic?  Leading the story are the characters of; Mr Maddens, Gordon Shakespeare and Jennifer.  The three are childhood friends who all dream of being involved in the theatre and movie business, which we discover early on are dreams not fully fulfilled.  Jennifer ends up landing a job in Hollywood, but as an assistant instead of a producer, and for the two boys they become primary teachers for rival primary schools.  The three characters were captured perfectly by the warm and endearing Gerard Gordon (Mr Maddens), dramatic and ‘baddie you love to hate’ Michael Lyden (Gordon Shakespeare) and the gentle and charming Hattie Doherty (Jennifer).  All three gave strong performances and formed believable relationships between each of their characters.  Hattie and Gerard’s vocals in the song ‘Wrapped in a Rainbow’ were particularly beautiful.  The other key character to the story, who also acts as the narrator at the start and gets the audience involved, is that of the high-spirited and cheerful classroom assistant Mr Poppy played by Calum McVittie.  Calum’s childlike, fun and joyful characterisation meant he had the audience in the palm of his hands with an instant connection.  His interactions and scenes with Gerard’s Mr Maddens was a joy to watch and faultlessly performed.  Also his opening song “Very First Day at School” and scene with the children was excellent and too funny.  Mr Poppy lifting one of the smaller boys up while singing the start of the Lion King had me laughing out loud for a while, startling the people around me.  Bringing some control to St Bernadette’s is head teacher Mrs Beven played by Sharon Tucker.  Sharon balanced a firm but fair character in Mrs Beven which made both her journey through the story, her personal feelings for Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy battling against trying to protect the children, and getting carried away about Hollywood coming to her wee school, all the more enjoyable to watch.  Other adult parts which completed the principal list were; Mary Goodwin (The Critic), Jim Brown (Mayor / Priest), Elaine Graham (Hollywood Producer), Linda Mitchell (Mrs Rye) and Hollywood Receptionist (Aileen McQuillan).  All giving brilliant performances.  Stealing the show however, and I don’t think the adults will mind me saying this, were the fantastic cast of children portraying the pupils of Oakmoor School and St Bernadette’s Primary.  Each of them gave strong individual characters, brought their own talents across in solo singing, dancing and acting pieces stealing the scenes they were in with; funny one liners, amazing facial expressions and faultless performances.  Each of the younger performers held their own, even while flying across the stage!  The interactions between the children and the adult performers, both principal and in the adult ensemble was lovely to watch and I had a tear in my eye when one of the younger characters and Mr Poppy shared a conversation after Mr Poppy is asked to leave his post.  It was very sweet and excellently done.  It also spurred on a younger member of the audience near me to tell her Mum, who like me was obviously shedding a tear, “It’s ok Mum it’s just a story, Mr Poppy will be ok”.  My heart melted.  Other moments which spurred on a loud ‘aww’ from the majority of the audience and me, were the scenes with Cracker the dog, played very well by Winnie Crossan.  I hope Winnie got extra treats for doing so well.  After some ups and downs throughout the story, which I won’t spoil for people reading who have not seen this newer show yet, all as expected turns out well in the end with; the St. Bernadette’s nativity being a resounding success, friends Mr Maddens, Gordon Shakespeare and Jennifer reuniting, Mrs Beven getting a revived buzz for her teaching job and the comical Mr Poppy regaining his lovable happy nature.  I could not rave about this production enough, it was happy, warm and just adorable.  It had the audience laughing, crying (for all the right reasons) and putting everyone in a lovely festive spirit.  I would like to thank the club’s treasurer Adrian for his warm welcome, company and hospitality, and to congratulate the entire club once again on a truly fantastic show.

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