Nativity - The Musical

For those not familiar with this musical the story centres around three childhood friends from Coventry: Paul Maddens played by Drew Jackson, Gordon Shakespeare, played by Gavin Cooke and Jennifer Lore, played by Kate Holtby, who all grow up with the ambition of being successful in the world of theatre and film and so go to drama school to pursue their dreams.

Once, grown up Lore and Maddens become romantically involved, but Jennifer is lured away by the bright lights of Hollywood before Maddens can make a marriage proposal.  Left behind, Maddens and Shakespeare go on to be primary school teachers: Maddens at a local state school,  St Bernadette’s, whilst Shakespeare secures a role at a rash posh prep-school, Oakmore.   However, once entrenched in life as teachers in Coventry, rather than the performers they’d hoped to be, they find themselves putting on their own competing productions of The Nativity. We are then introduced to Mr Poppy, played by Dan Holtby whogives the opening narration to the story. Poppy is over-excitable and a rather childlike character with little sense of responsibility who becomes Madden’s Teaching Assistant and tries to support the emerging production. His wild promises are believed and even the headmistress Mrs Bevan (Jeannine Ridha) is taken in that Hollywood is coming to the UK to film their Nativity. This is of course a fantasy, so with both Maddens and Shakespeare directing productions of the Nativity friendship (and patience) is tested. 

Jeannine Ridha played the Headmistress, Mrs Bevan and showed much sadness at the end of her career at St Bernadette’s School which was in special measures.   Jacky Bacon was super as the all-American tour guide and John Parsons, was definitely type-cast as Patrick Burns – The Critic (District 4 will be watching out for those lines in your NODA Show Reports, John).   There were some great supporting and cameo roles and the ensemble did splendidly backing everything up in various guises - the characters created in ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ were particularly enjoyable.

Maddens is the cardigan wearing, downtrodden, still lovesick, teacher who is easily led by Poppy and Jackson captured this perfectly.  His work with both Dan Holtby and Kate Holtby showed so much empathy – The number ‘Wrapped in a Rainbow’ was lovely.    Jackson played the exasperated teacher persona to perfection, with clear diction despite often being in a classroom full of excited children (and an excited Mr Poppy!).   Cooke most definitely found the bitter, failed actor within himself to become Gordon Shakespeare – he was bordering on evil!   Kate Holtby was a very sensitive Jennifer, despite running away to Hollywood, she showed how much she missed her old life.  Kate has great vocals and having seen her in her first performance on the amateur stage only six months ago I wasn’t surprised to see her playing the leading lady again.

The show hinges on being able to cast a very strong Mr Poppy and Dan Holtby certainly fitted the part perfectly.   He had a brilliant smile which beamed throughout the show and great comic timing.  There were some fabulous numbers with the children and ‘My Very First Day at School’ was particularly enjoyable. His energy and enthusiasm were just right for the part and it was astounding to read in the programme that this was Dan’s debut performance in amateur theatre – wow!  

Lighting and sound were strong and the cast did a great job of moving the set pieces on and off.  Music was super and congratulations to MD Liam Fletcher and the six piece orchestra – the recorder playing was excellent!

And so to the stars of the show – the children.  Director Trudi Jackson ensured they were centre stage for the final numbers and this was most definitely deserved.  From their first entrances they were all wonderful.  Those children who were dual cast across both Oakmore Prep and St Bernadettes did a brilliant job of showing the different attitudes of the students in their respective schools. There was gymnastics, dancing, singing and rapping – along with clear delivery of lines and some very emotional pieces.  There are some stars of the future in the young cast and I congratulate BAOS for giving them this great opportunity.

Very well done to all the Cast, Crew,  Production Team and the Committee for bringing this super show to  The Plowright - it was a real hit with the audience.

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