The Flint Street Nativity

“The Flint Street Nativity” written by Tim Firth (also a film) tells the story of a class of infant schoolchildren putting on their nativity.  The children are played by adult actors and later in the play, their parents.  They are a mixed group: Herod wants to impress his dad, the robust Gabriel wants to be Mary and Star moans about his star not being a real star; not the kind of star his Uncle Ted talks about and he works at NASA.   While the play itself is a comedy, it is also sweet and moving as the children reflect their parents’ hangups.  

The set was excellent and had been well crafted to a high standard.   It was multi-level and perfectly recreated the classroom fit for seven year olds, complete with a pets’ corner with a humorously named stick insect called Peter Crouch. The legs of the tables and chairs in the shape of large pencil crayons were colourful as well as practical.  The gauze curtain in the shape of an upturned trampoline was an inspiration and practical and when raised, disappeared into the roof.

 A lot of thought had gone into the use of costume and hair to emphasise the personality of the characters from the oversize wings for the angel, that also lit up. Everyone had costumes relevant to their part in the play within the play.  The ass’s head deserves a special mention and was a great comic touch.

The lighting was effective and well controlled.  The electronic graphics depicting the effect of “Peter Crouch” the school’s pet, was an outstanding moment. 

From the moment the curtain raised, to the sound of children’s singing, we knew we were in for a hugely enjoyable festive evening. The acting was of the highest standard; the moments of hilarity including a surly Innkeeper and the bullying Angel, were mixed with the sadness and truth.  The evening was full of backstabbing and ambition. Actors regressing to play children is not a new idea, nevertheless this idea is great entertainment and each cast member was given a chance to shine in the spotlight as their carol revealed the secrets of their lives:  one’s home smells of beer and another is neglected while her mum is out at bingo. The imaginative direction from Caroline Newman, and solid backstage support, made this was an evening of super fun, high class entertainment and was well received by the large and appreciative audience. 

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