Christmas arrived early at the King’s Theatre last week as the festive family favourite hit film Nativity was transformed into a smash-hit musical, receiving five star reviews on its recent UK tour. The musical adaptation written and directed by Debbie Isitt stays true to the magic of the story of the original film and is jam packed with festive songs including the hits from the film such as “Sparkle and Shine”, “Nazareth” and “She’s the Brightest Star”.
This feelgood extravaganza tells the story of three childhood friends who go to theatre school with aspirations of breaking into Hollywood before their lives go in different directions. Mr Madden and Mr Shakespeare become rival teachers in local primary schools competing every year to win the “5 star review” for the best Nativity show in town.
Shakespeare played by Andy Brady is the the pompous, egotistical teacher at loggerheads with Madden played by Scott Garnham who depicts a downtrodden brokenhearted man who still loves his ex-girfriend Jennifer who left him to pursue her Hollywood career as a famous producer.
Of course the true stars of this show are the delightful, quirky and playful cast of children who play pupils in both Oakmoor School and St Bernadette’s. Oakmoor is a top private school with perfect uniform, discipline and of course exceptional pupils. St Bernadette’s on the other hand is in special measures and the pupils are much more playful and cheeky!
There is energy, enthusiasm and sweet moments throughout. Jane McCarry who is most famously known as Isa from Still Game makes her appearance as the Hollywood Producer making a change from her usual Glaswegian homeland of Craiglang!
The show concludes in the lavish and show stopping Nativity play complete with a rapping boyband, an Angel Gabriel suspended from the ceiling, flashing stars and lavish costumes.
Meanwhile, Mr Poppy’s incessant chattering and classic comic timing led to some of the more hilarious moments of the show. The audience fell in love with his kind, if somewhat quirky character, with plenty of jokes for the adults as well as the children.
The hyperactive man-child contrasts with the adult scepticism and sarcasm of Mr Madden. However despite constant calamatiy, confusion and mishaps, Mr Poppy manages to remind Mr Madden how talented and wonderful the children of St Bernadettes really can be.
Nativity is the ultimate Christmas cracker stuffed full of all your festive favourites delighting adults and children alike. Enough to keep us topped up with festive cheer until panto season begins in earnest.