Nativity The Musical

The auditorium was buzzing with few seats left available for this opening performance.  When the orchestra played the first notes of the first musical number, immediately spirits were uplifted and there was much to engage us on the stage. Bilston Operatic Company promised a high standard of entertainment with a magical quality, and we were not disappointed. This was an amazing, joyous, swiftly paced production that oozed with, ‘Feel good’ vibes and festive fun. Leading us through the story was the brilliant, Matt Elson as Mr Poppy, and from the moment he bounced on stage he radiated childlike enthusiasm.  The audience loved him. This was a show  with over thirty-five children who collectively delivered mature, impressive performances with terrific confidence, comic timing and lots of smiling faces.

Director, Tye Harris achieved a theatrical experience that was outstanding. The show never paused for a moment. The children were drilled to perfection and the entire cast perfectly co-ordinated in movement and song. Highlights of the show included the upbeat number,’ Sparkle and Shine,’ which was captivating; and’ One Night one Moment,’ a heart-warming number, which initiated a beautiful auditorium with phone light torches amidst candles. Martyn Davies’ choreography was dynamic and sharp. Both the adults and the children were well rehearsed with slick dance routines and the children worked effectively in their teams. Musical numbers came at a pace with each one projected with high energy, and rhythmic sequences faultless. Under the leadership of Musical Director, Gareth Howard, musical numbers were delivered with vigour and the orchestra was kept on top form. The well-trained vocals of the children were apparent, their hearts and souls injected into their voices. Principals’ vocals were pitch perfect and songs were heart felt and joyous. The duet, ’Suddenly,’ was memorable and performed in perfect harmony by Alec White, who played Mr Maddens, and Stacey Lovatt, who played Jennifer Lore, a delight! Technical wizardry presented invisible scene changes which heightened that magic feel of the show and supported the fast pace. This was a glittery set with some scenes framed by starry lighting and some full of colourful design, packed full of imagination, from the ruins of Coventry cathedral to Christmas trees; all supported by fantastic energetic lighting that matched the beat of the musical numbers.

 At the start of this story, we learn of romantically involved adults, Jennifer and Paul Maddens; but Jennifer is ambitious and flies off to Hollywood to pursue a career as a film producer. Broken hearted Mr Maddens, five years later, is reluctantly tasked with directing his (state) school, St Bernadette’s nativity play and the head, Mrs Bevan, employs a new teaching assistant, Mr Poppy, to help. Paul Maddens finds out that his rival, Gordon Shakespeare, who works at a public girls’ school,’ Oakmoor’, is also directing a nativity and wishes to maintain his 5-star rating and decides to play the lead of Herod in his own school. To seem more successful and being under the impression that Jennifer is now a big Hollywood producer, Paul lies and says that Jennifer is coming from Hollywood to see St Bernadette’s nativity and make it into a film.  Mr Poppy overhears and tells the children at school. The news quickly spread with the local press reporting the story. Paul realises that the fuss is due to a lie and tells Mr Poppy to resolve it. Paul and Mr Poppy start rehearsals for the Nativity and cast it. Paul learns that the children have written to Santa to bring Jennifer back home to mend his broken heart.  Paul goes to Hollywood to find Jennifer. When he meets her again, he learns that Jennifer isn’t a producer but an assistant secretary. Paul and the children he took with him, return to St Bernadette’s and tell Mr Poppy the bad news but when Mrs Bevan finds out that Hollywood were never coming, and it was a lie, she cancels the nativity and sacks Paul and Mr Poppy. The children are upset so Paul Madden and Mr Poppy decide to do the show anyway for the sake of the children. And of course, there was a happy ending, The Nativity was performed and was a resounding success, with Jennifer and Paul reunited in love.

This was a strong cast with no weak links. Matt Elson gave a strong performance in role of Mr Poppy. He was both charismatic, inventive and projected a huge sense of fun. He had a wonderful rapport with the children and endeared us all with his character’s quick-witted retorts and boundless energy. His stage presence was magnetic, he was wonderful to watch; his comedic timing faultless; and he could sing excellently; a natural performer. Mr Maddens was played superbly by Alec White. His overall performance was polished.  He demonstrated the right level of frustrations as Mr Madden, torn between wanting the children to succeed and feeling exasperated and despondent.  His onstage relationship with Mr Poppy was so natural and delivered with ease. Gordon Shakespeare was played by Olly Derham with a lively flamboyance. His version of Herod in Oakmoor’s nativity was commendable. His physical comedy as a competitive character was imaginative, his singing voice outstanding. Stacey Lovatt was a lovely Jennifer. She had some standout solo performances and sang with diamond clarity. Sarah Houghton characterised the role of headmistress perfectly with an assured stage presence. Mike James was well suited to the part of Patrick Burns, with deserving credit to Greg Yates for bringing pathos to his role as Lord Mayor. Other members of the cast to be credited for their contributions and hard work include Jon Ranwell; Amy Frost; Katie Walker and Nick Sullivan, who was hilarious as the Irish priest. Congratulations to the rest of the cast and the entire ensemble.

All the children performed triumphantly to the highest standard. This young, talented, dedicated group of children are clearly stars of tomorrow, already experienced in an adult sized production at The Grand Theatre, showing promise and star quality. They threw themselves into each musical number with gusto, they looked as if they were having the time of their lives. Credit too, to the adults who worked with them in rehearsal and clearly inspired them to attain such high standards in song and music. It’s hard to single out any of the children but I applaud the two fearless enough to dangle over the stage as Angel Gabriel (Lucas Barker) and The Star (Isabella Farenden).

The entire evening was a dazzling spectacle of fun music and laughter. that put many in the Christmas Spirit. It radiated happiness and had the wow factor! Every actor brimming with talent with many particularly blown away by the brilliance of the children. Thank you for inviting me.

 

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