The Flint Street Nativity

The usual very warm welcome at Waddington Village Hall last week to see The Flint Street Nativity. It is written by Tim Firth where Mizzis Horrocks' class of seven year olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the proud mums and dads - and the occasional social worker. Squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles he's not a proper star like they have at NASA, Joseph won't stop waving to his mum and dad and the subversive Innkeeper is determined to liven up the traditional script. And then the stick insect escapes!  The children are played by adults, who later play their parents. This is a warm, witty, funny play an ideal alternative to the usual Christmas fare with original lyrics set to the tunes of the usual Christmas carols.

The set was impressive. (Graham Scott and Adrian Peill were the creative team who made the play house and the special cupboard) I saw great attention to detail, and I felt lots of thought had gone into the staging, especially as to scale to make the adults look like children. The lighting was very good and the sound (although the microphones had their moments) was mostly excellent. (David Ridout Technical Support).

Every single actor played their parts very well, I couldn’t pick out a poor performance at all. I noticed lots of new members to the society which included Dale Storey (Marcus) and Dee Horne (Jess) Katie Adcock (Miss Berry the TA), Mike Gallimore (Adrian), Emma Wighton (Ashley), and Tony Graves (Bradley), I commend the production team and especially director Julie Addison for integrating the whole cast and getting such excellent performances from them all. Some lovely moments when the girls are arguing whilst making and breaking friendships. The moments in the ‘Special Cupboard’, the worrying home life stories and realities of being a child in a nativity, were all well played.

Musical Director, Rob Steadman kept the musical elements of the show well-paced and interesting, the actors managed well and brought a characterful performance to their songs. The really clever lyrics were both comic and poignant.

The front of house team members were very friendly and professional.  They included Jo Kerr, Janice Peill (et al) selling raffle tickets and refreshments always a simple way to add funds and keep your audience comfortable. The programme was really good, including many photo’s, messages and thank you’s. I can see you are well supported by your community and local businesses. I will enter the programme into the NODA competition.

Overall a fun, Christmassy show, that had me laughing all the way home.  Well done. I look forward to seeing your next production in May 2023.

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