Nativity the Musical

Always a logistical challenge in theatre working with children and animals they say. However, as a Primary School music teacher and music therapist Alison took on the task and together with collaboration from Invicta Youth Theatre led by Chrissie and her team this fun, manic Christmas musical their energy and enthusiasm encouraged the children to work hard to both ‘sparkle and shine’ A sparkling colourful Christmas open set was designed by Annie Hatcher with parcels, decorated trees either side, large candy canes and rounded graduated set of steps down to the auditorium, with Chris and Rhia Butler sourcing the various props. The back screen projected professional looking scenes and unseen behind were the live band with Ruth Roberts conductor and on keys, Nick Barker drums, Barry Holloway guitar, Gemma Norford reeds and Mo Gillis-Coates trumpet. Marc Hendersen led the children’s vocals with the numbers well-rehearsed and executed as were the principals and ensemble alike.

SM was Julie Hine, her crew timing placing and securing the two graduated multi use rolling trucks. The small moveable colourful Christmas story flats gave a delightful picture together with the children in their nativity costumes. Kathy Gibbs was head of wardrobe. School uniforms were mostly the order of the day for the students, with Christmas sparkle for the ladies.

Regular stalwart Penny Tobin was in charge of the sound board whilst Ben Clarke controlled the magical lighting effects. A starry attractive A5 programme with some nice school themed pages was designed by Emma Hine with Kirstie Scarlett-Bruff designing the poster.

Setting the storyline was flamboyant Max Chesters as Desmond Poppy. He is a nonstop, fast-moving character the children just loved. Three best friends grow up leaving the Midlands Academy. Paul Madden saddened that Jennifer leaves him and Buddy constantly wagging his tail as Cracker, for an internship in LA. He becomes a primary teacher at St Bernadette’s and really hates Christmas. Gordon Shakespeare opts for higher things at Oakmoor Prep the posh school. Desperate to improve her Ofsted ratings and to impress critic Patrick Burns headteacher Mrs Bevan tasks Madden to a Christmas Nativity play. She offers her over enthusiastic nephew Mr Poppy who has no experience whatsoever but plenty of wacky ideas to join Madden as his class assistant. Full of frustration and disasters in preparation – sabotage then a big lie that escalates and entails a trip to LA only to find Jennifer who he still loves - who is only an assistant’s assistant! And Mr Parker the big producer will not be visiting the Nativity. Gordon’s arrogant presentation is completely over the top. How can St B’s compete? But they do have the prestigious venue of Coventry Cathedral and Paul’s children with Mr Poppy’s determination will ‘’sparkle and shine.’ To their amazement Jennifer and Mr. P arrive and we had a true happy ending enjoyed by audience during the half term week.

Richard Gray with his clear lilting Scottish accent gave a good solid performance of the so often frustrated Paul Madden still in love with Jennifer which Janine Atkins nicely characterised in her solos and script, and I particularly enjoyed her beautiful duet with Paul. James Hanaway, with gusto became the very pompous Gordon Shakespeare in contrast, and Jo Reader created the desperate Head Mrs. Patricia Bevan. Multi-tasking characters so well was Robin Harrison and the ensemble cast confidently characterised other various cameo roles including teachers, parents, reporter, totally ott American tour guide, with James camping up the security guard so very funny. A special well done to all the children taking part I so enjoyed your Nativity and a big thankyou to the Chaperones who looked after them during rehearsals and the performances.

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