Nativity The Musical

I had the opportunity to talk with Director, Lucy Weaver and Musical Director Emily Hill after the performance. There was a very big cast in this musical with twenty six young people playing roles as students at either St Bernadette’s or Oakmoor schools Many of these young people had never performed on stage before and they displayed a wealth of talent in singing, acting and dancing which I hope will be developed in the future. Indeed I could see that many of them noticeably increased in confidence as the performance progressed. All the students had named roles and they obviously enjoyed being on stage and all performed extremely well. Ronnie Olly, as Buddy and Lillia Weaver, as Katelyn were confident in their roles and dialogue and the young people were all so well rehearsed. I did not note any hesitation with their moves or dialogue so well done everyone

There was a lot of humour on stage with Martin Goulding as Desmond Poppy, a new teaching assistant really acting out a buffoon like character as he bounced around the stage. He interacted well with the students at St Bernadette’s encouraging them to commit to the school production and showing rather immature behaviour in flouting the rules. A great role for Martin and a complete contrast to Gregg Weaver who played a somewhat anxious and despondent role as the class teacher, Paul Maddens. Joanne Morris played a strong role as Jennifer Lore, a past love interest of Paul. Kieran Foreman was an arrogant and superior Gordon Shakespeare, a teacher at the Qakmoor private school. I thought that Angie Reid was well cast as Mrs Bevan, the head teacher and displayed a strong character in resolving the issues.

I enjoyed the role of the Hollywood Producer, ably interpreted by a very slick Sam Smith. Dominic Simpson was an imposing Lord Mayor (and Santa) whilst Abbie Cavill was a convincing young teacher Miss Rye.

There was also a large chorus of adults playing “parents” of the students and a number of adult actors played more than one small role or were also in the chorus. I particularly liked Vandi Rathbone acting as the priest with some remarkable expressions.  And of course the star of the show was Luna, as a very well behaved Cracker the Dog.

There were some challenging songs and amongst my favourites were Hollywood We’re Coming, King Herod the Rock Opera and Nazareth. All of these were confidently sung by the cast.

The set was minimal but suitable with back curtain and side screens. There was good use of lighting to create effect and some projection onto the back curtain. Costumes were varied and relevant and particularly attractive in the Lord Mayor’s Ball scene.

There was superb choreography by Sophie-Megan Edwards and Sam Smith. All the routines were well developed and rehearsed and all were in step !

The small band, under the able and confident direction of Emily Hill provided good backing to the cast, given that some of the songs were somewhat challenging.

Congratulations to everyone involved in any way with this spectacular musical but special congratulations to Director Lucy Weaver for her imagination, creation and ability to bring out the very best from this predominately young cast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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