The Flint Street Nativity

Tim Firth, the writer of Calendar Girls, is the author of this ingenious play that presents an hilarious look behind the scenes of a school nativity. Adult actors play the roles of the children in the nativity, a concept that is immediately amusing in itself and a strong cast milk the script for all its worth in a genuinely funny play. The real brilliance of the script is highlighted in the final scene when the actors, who we have just watched playing children, reappear as their parents. You realise you have learnt an awful lot about the parents through the children and their amusing versions of the Christmas carols.
This is such a clever and funny play. Tim Firth shows that he understands children as well as adults in a very humorous mix, and so too did the cast under Ben Hopwood, making his debut as a Director.
Of course every girl wants to play Mary, and Pam Wilson was no exception, and just loved her spats with Sophie Joelle as Angel Gabriel (who really wanted to be Mary). And Pam’s masterly domination of her fellows, the Angel, Anji Clarke and the Wise Man, Carol Bell, and this threesome really brought home how cruel children can be.

This play is all about relationships and they all worked so well. As Narrator, Fiona Galloway, made toes curl in sympathy for her worry about lines and lack of confidence, and gave us a moment of pathos when she sees her Mum in the audience with a man who is not her Dad. Zack Jackson managed the discomfort of the Ass Head with style. Howard Russell had his problems as the other Wise Man -loved the speech and tongue twisters in his struggle to cope. Tax Bennison as the Shepherd joined the scene as did an energetic Star from Glen Routledge, and did his 'uncle' really work at NASA?! Alan Buttery was very grumpy and sinister as the lnnkeeper, and as Herod, Mitchell Perry had his moment of glory. 

As a parent, grandparent and husband of a teacher, I’ve seen many, many primary school classrooms and as I walked into the Studio, I thought I was in another. The transformation of that ‘black box’ of a space into Mrs Horrocks’ classroom was incredible – massive congratulations to the entire set & props team. Similarly, the attention to detail in the costumes, with much use of cardboard and tinfoil, brought back so many memories. 

The display of nativity play stories set the scene front of house for the entire evening – a really lovely touch. I also liked the programme, packed with information, with nice photographs and biographies. Can I ask that you acknowledge your membership of NODA  in future programmes?

Nothing was missed to enhance the enjoyment of the evening – a credit to the whole company, under the Director, Ben Hopwood and the Production Manager, Jenny Carter.

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