The Flint Street Nativity

I was met by Ralph White- Robinson and VickyTearle at Front of House. I also had a brief discussion with President Ann Mortimer. This was a very different comedy/Christmas play with new songs set to familiar Christmas carol tunes ! The plot focuses on a class of seven year old pupils about to present the school nativity play to their parents with the inevitable squabbles and problems along the way. In the first act, the children were played by adult actors who then played their parents in Act Two.

Hayley Favell played the narrator, trying hard to relay the plot and she grew into this role well. Alex Bass, as Herod and Joseph performed these roles superbly, injecting just the right amount of comedy and I especially liked his facial smirks as he waved to his mum and dad at every opportunity. Charlotte Root, as Mary was a delight as a delicate but determined character. She was continually fighting off the aspirations of the mischievous Angel Gabriel, well played by Natalie Stock, who was desperate for the part of Mary. Charlie Vaughan was a lively and cheeky Innkeeper whilst Liam Kerr played the Ass in a convincing, bumbling way. I especially liked Ian Russell’s portrayal of the Star which he constantly compared to a real star at NASA and Kayleigh Murray as the Shepherd was adept at ‘ gathering in her flock’. James Hooker, as Wise Frankincense carried off this part well, including the lisp ( well done !) and Jo Thorne was Wise Gold, slightly eclipsed by Frankincense but nevertheless a good performance. Finally, Courtney Cooper-Gleave played the Angel, an essential supportive role to Angel Gabriel.

Full marks to ALL the actors who managed to deliver all of Act One with childish mannerisms and speech. It was most effective, including the singing which was carefree and sometimes (by design) completely out of tune which just added to the comedy.

Music had been recorded by Franky Garland and Musical Director, Brenda White-Robinson had obviously worked hard with the cast to achieve the required effect of discord and lack of harmony whilst the adults were playing the children’s roles. No mean feat so well done !

The set was a basic school room with stage, designed by David Thompson and Terry White and built by the construction team. It was quite flexible and adaptable and allowed for props ( Barbara Tyrrel) to be moved on and off seamlessly, thanks to Stage Manager Di-onne Holloway. Lighting (Keith Harris) and Sound (Robin Glander) were both good and appropriate for the size of the venue. I did wonder if some of the crackles and buzzes from the sound were accidental or part of the script—I opted for the latter ! I thought that the costumes(Gwen Porter and Teresa Dale) were all rather good and very relevant to the characters.,

Congratulations to Director, David Thompson ably assisted by Brenda White-Robinson, for his courage in putting on this interesting and, I suspect difficult production and achieving so much.

I enjoyed the production very much and congratulate everyone involved in any way.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.