The Flint Street Nativity

Tim Firth has to his credit a long line of exceptionally well crafted plays, with and without music, Man of Letters, End of the Food Chain, Calendar Girls, to name but a few.  The Flint Street Nativity is no exception giving the actors, producer and MD an incredibly well observed ‘Nativity Play’ from a child’s viewpoint and also their Parents after the ‘show’.  However, without strong performances in both ‘child’ and ‘adult’ roles the evening can be something of a challenge for an audience, but have no fear, Whitwell Players acting strength in depth ensured that this was a great first night performance.

The production team had obviously spent a great deal of attention on this production and the actors were especially strong at bringing out the comedic elements of the ‘Children’.  With their tantrums, insecurities, bitchiness, sudden realisation that they were on stage in front of an audience and self-conscious waves to their ‘Parents’.  This made the Nativity play element laugh out loud in all the right places.

This was very much a team effort with everyone bringing a different strength to the evening.  Nic Pelham, (who I last saw as the snow queen), brought just the right ‘self-confidence tinged with uncertainty’ to the role of Mary and made a perfect sparring partner with Jeanne Raspin, who’s plotting to move from the role of Gabriel to Mary, a joy to watch. 

Luke Neeve played Herod to great effect throughout the night which brought a strong strand on comedy that was supported by the physicality and timing of Paul Wood and Christina Goucher, whose deadpan aggressive delivery was a highlight of the night.  Julie Cookson’s performance was another stand out highlight of the evening and Neil White managed to bring considerable warm and pathos in his obvious adoration of his father in NASA.  Fern Morris was an excellent narrator throughout the evening and Lewis Salter, Laura Barrett, Sarah Reynolds all added to quality of the performance.

The musical direction from Peter Lack, lighting, sound (and snow), costuming, props, coupled with the acting and vocal performances, brought the play to life which was very impressive especially on a first night.

Congratulations to all for a first rate evening’s entertainment and many thanks for the warm welcome from the front of house team.

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