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Nativity! The Musical

Author: Kate Marshall

Information

Date
14th December 2024
Society
Wells Operatic Society Ltd
Venue
Wells Little Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Sharon Edmonds
Musical Director
Richard Kerton-Welch
Choreographer
Zoe Woods
Producer
Joanna Hartley-Scammell & Vicky Orman
Written By
Books & Lyrics - Debbie Isitt, Orchestrations - George Dyer, Music - Debbie Isitt & Nicky Ager

­­Nativity! The Musical follows the story of three friends from university in Coventry, dreaming of being successful in the world of theatre and film, but who end up taking separate paths. Two become primary school teachers, while the third goes away to work in Hollywood. Paul Maddens ends up at St Bernadette’s, while Gordon Shakespeare takes a position at Oakmoor Prep. Over the years, St Bernadette’s and Oakmoor Prep take their school Nativities in wildly different directions. However, a new teaching assistant, Mr. Poppy - an exuberant and unpredictable character arrives at St Bernadette’s and turns everything upside down by telling everyone that Hollywood is coming to see their Nativity play.

The set was very cleverly designed to accommodate the large number of scene changes. I particularly liked the foldable, rotating freestanding elements that allowed for smooth transitions between scenes, enhancing the flow of the performance. The lighting was professional throughout and added to the atmosphere - I especially enjoyed the use of the projection of snow, which created a beautiful, immersive effect.

However, I did find the sound a bit challenging at times. While all the children were mic’d, none of the adults were, which occasionally made it difficult to catch some of the lines. That said, this is a minor point in what was otherwise a fantastic performance. I truly loved the show, and for future productions, it might be worth considering mic’ing the adults and only a few key children to help balance the sound.

I adored all the costumes, especially those featured in the opening number. The reindeers, the Christmas tree, and the gingerbread man were particularly delightful and full of charm. Each costume was vibrant and creative, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of the show and immediately drawing the audience into the magical atmosphere.

Nick delivered an excellent performance as Paul Maddens, the cardigan-wearing, downtrodden teacher. His portrayal genuinely captured the audience’s compassion, particularly as he often found himself in trouble, largely thanks to the antics of Locryn's Mr Poppy. Locryn brought boundless energy to the stage, perfectly capturing the playful and chaotic nature of Mr Poppy while also serving as an engaging narrator. His impeccable comedic timing resulted in plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and it was clear he thoroughly enjoyed the role. Together, these two led the show with energy and charm, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained throughout.

Jennifer Lore, the third friend and former love interest of Mr Maddens who moved to Hollywood, was played by Caroline. Caroline delivered a well-rounded and engaging performance, bringing depth and charm to the character. She brought warmth and sincerity to Jennifer’s character in the story.

Gordon Shakespeare, who ended up being the strict and overbearing teacher at Oakmoor, was played by Tom. Tom brought a commanding presence to the role, effectively capturing the character’s sharp wit and controlling nature. Well played and in character throughout, you captured the essence of your role with great intensity and commitment.

The supporting roles in this show may have been small, but they were all crucial in ensuring the story progressed seamlessly. Each supporting actor added something special to the production, ensuring every scene felt polished and engaging. A couple of special mentions go to Maureen, who was excellent as Mrs Bevan, bringing just the right amount of authority to the role, and to Carte, who delivered a fabulous performance as Patrick Burns, portraying the character as both a diva and an icon with flair and confidence.

Of course, for anyone who knows this story, the most important cast members are the children, and each and every one of them seemed to be having a fantastic time on stage. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment were infectious, bringing the production to life and making it a joy to watch. It was clear that they not only understood their roles but were also fully engaged, which added an authentic and heartwarming charm to the performance. From their lively group scenes to individual moments of humour and emotion, the children were at the heart of the show, and their efforts were truly remarkable. A big shout-out to Harry, who brought vibrancy to the role of Ollie with his clear diction and beautiful singing voice. Fantastic work!

The supporting roles were shared among the enthusiastic ensemble, with each cast member bringing their unique energy to the stage. Their performances added fun, charm, and vibrant interactions that enriched the production.

There were countless moments in this musical that I absolutely loved, and while I can’t mention them all, here are a few highlights: the incredible live band, who were exceptional from start to finish; ‘She’s the Brightest Star,’ performed superbly by the charming boy band; the hilarious Lion King moment in the school playground; the receptionist with her flawless American accent; the pure joy of ‘Sparkle and Shine’; and, of course, Cracker the dog - an absolute delight, adding the perfect dose of cuteness and so charmingly well behaved.

Congratulations to Director Sharon Edmonds for her brilliant vision, to Zoe Woods for her fantastic choreography, and to Richard Kerton-Welch, the Musical Director, for his expert handling of the music. Well done to the entire cast and crew for such a fun and energetic performance. Thank you for inviting me - my daughter and I had a wonderful time.

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