The Flint Street Nativity

When I read a book or a script I try, using the author’s descriptions, to create an image of the characters. This is complicated by the situation when the characters are children played by adult actors. Add to this the fact that the situations are based on true events and there is plenty to think about.

Director, Maureen George and all the cast got inside the characters perfectly demonstrating the complexities of relationships, fears, aspirations and the many things that go on in young children’s heads when they are 7/8 years old.

I couldn’t possibly mention everyone individually because that would take far too long as every portrayal was recognisable as a trait of a child in this age group and in these circumstances. I was in education for the whole of my working life and I have seen these situations time and again. I would like to congratulate you all as we quickly forgot that we were watching a group of adults putting on a play and thought that we watching children. At the end when the cast appeared as the adult parents of their children, we were given a very clear insight as to the reasons behind their children’s behaviours. This, once again, was a very believable piece of storytelling.

I was also impressed by the musical aspect of the play. It isn’t easy to sing a well-known Christmas carol with totally different words and it is even more difficult to sing a totally different song with different words and rhythms as a solo against the carol continuing in the background. Apart from very rare timing issues it worked really well. I must add my congratulations to Musical Director Ellie Galvin and pianist Mandy Davies.

The well-thought-out costume plot, props and set all added to the quality of this production. There were some lovely presentation touches for example the non-existent door creaking every time it was opened or closed, the use of the step ladder down stage right where children went when they were unhappy. The travel between the inns was well done with Joseph pulling the donkey with Mary sitting on it. It was to be expected that Joseph would always wave to his dad sitting in the audience. The classic was where the sound of a tambourine was used to restore order. As soon as the children heard this they stopped what they were doing and put their fingers to their lips. Brilliant!

Well done to everyone involved and thank you for a wonderful evening’s entertainment!

 

 

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