NATIVITY! the Musical

Nativity the Musical is a heartwarming family musical that exudes warmth and jollity especially at Christmastime. 

Exeter Little Theatre Company made a super job of the production, they pulled out every stop and were just brilliant!

The audience was excited and couldn’t wait for the show to start, 

At curtain up, we were greeted with a great sound from the band, Mr Poppy’s entrance, and from that moment it was obvious that we were in for a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

The casting was superb not one weak link …..

Mr Poppy had the audience eating out of his hand, a lovable confident character with light and shade that is required for this important role, and it was accomplished with great skill.

Paul Maddens was a natural and came over well as the world-weary teacher who really didn’t want to deal with the annual Nativity play and was still pining for his lost love Jennifer. He portrayed all aspects of the character very strongly and sang well, as in “Going for the Big Time” alongside Jennifer and Mr Shakespeare. 

Jennifer was just right, again portraying a whole gamut of emotions with skill and with a singing voice to match.

Mr Shakespeare was appropriately obnoxious and excelled as the bossy egotistical teacher, eventually deflated and redeemed. He really entered the part and clearly enjoyed the more villainous moments.  His singing was great, and “Herod the Rock Opera” was a real hit!

 The younger versions of these three characters were also very well done.

Mrs Bevan made a splendid and convincing Head Teacher, her way of addressing the children and fellow colleagues was outstanding and her gradual descent into panic and despair was done very convincingly.

To complete the casting Miss Rye, Patrick Burns, Lord Mayor, Hollywood Producer, Mr Parker & Marty performed their roles with enthusiasm and aplomb, the American scenes were done well and authentically, and, of course, Cracker the Dog was welcomed by the audience with oohs and ahs!

I did feel that the Lord Mayor should have had a coat of arms on his chain but that is a minor point.

The evening I went it was Team Sparkle that were on stage and sparkle they did!.

As soon as they entered, they certainly shone. 

The rehearsals that must have been done with the children certainly paid off, the confidence, reactions, pace, and singing was so remarkably good, not a hand out of place!

For the rest of the cast to work with such children must have been an absolutely delight! And I have been assured that Team Shine were just as good. 

St Bernadettes and Oakmoor teams really emphasised the difference between the two schools and the young people should be proud of their ability to portray such distinct characters so clearly.  

Congratulations to the Directors, with the Musical Director and his Band and to the choreographer for such vision, the costumes together with lighting were excellent and the clarity of diction superb.        

This was a show to remember for all the right reasons, everyone came out happier than when they went in, a great achievement.  

Thank you Exeter Little Theatre Company for a delightful evening of entertainment enjoyed by a very appreciative audience.

Graham Liverton 

National Vice President &
Regional Councillor NODA Southwest 

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