Nativity! The Musical continues at the Milton Keynes Theatre until 18 November 2018 before the tour continues.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Nativity! The Musical definitely brought Christmas cheer to Milton Keynes, even if it was a little early!
Based on the 2009 Christmas comedy film directed by Debbie Isitt, the production creates humour and sparkle as we are reintroduced to our favourite characters, Mr Poppy, Mr Maddens and of course the children of St Bernadette’s.
For those not familiar with the modern film, this is essentially a story about an under-performing primary school who put on the Nativity of the year with a surprise from Hollywood.
This Nativity is not possible without Mr Poppy, the new energetic teaching assistant and of course Mr Maddens. Mr Poppy, played by Simon Lipkin, brings a juvenile chirpiness to proceedings and in fact brings the show together. His mix of humour and fun makes him a friend to the pupils of St Bernadette’s and also creates a friend-like character for the audience.
His dialogue is perfectly balanced for both adults and children within the audience. The jokes sometimes go over the heads of the children within the audience which makes the delivery especially funny. Lipkin brilliantly executes the essence of Mr Poppy.
Scott Garnham’s Mr Maddens, although more serious than Mr Poppy, portrays a warm and lovable teacher. He is not much of a Christmas fan (because he was once dumped!) but this does not stop him as he helps the pupils discover they are good enough to be leading actors. Garnham’s relationship with the children is exactly how a primary school teacher’s relationship should be and the friendly chemistry between him and Mr Poppy make them the perfect duo.
The children of St Bernadette’s and rival school Oakmoor must be commended. St Bernadette’s pupils played by Evie Bennell-Low, Demi Delord, Joseph Duffy, Kheiri Isaac Osmani, Betsy Jiggins, Marlie Love, Jasmine McKenna, Joshua Millard-Lloyd, Amy-Louise Mulhall, Aston Sidwell and Nicholas Vakis are imperfectly perfect. They do not over perform and you genuinely believe they are school kids from Coventry.
They are very talented children and the audition round especially highlights this as many cast members sing, dance, floss and even caterpillar across the stage. Of course, they have the audience whooping and clapping throughout. My favourite character in the film and this production is definitely Olly who you grow to love as he becomes Joseph.
Oakmore School is St Bernadette’s opposition, especially as headteacher Mr Shakespeare (Andy Brady) went to the same performing arts school as Mr Madden. The Oakmoor children – Kuhu Agarwal, Adelaide Barham, Elissa Birkett, Alesandro-Aurelia Borrelli, Kaspar Cahill Ritter, Tora Doyle, Darcie Griffiths, Caitlin Le Roux, Keanne Sky O’Quinn, Regan Parker, Marie Peedle, Daisy Reynolds, Darcy Springall, Layla Waggot – are beautifully eloquent and clearly very talented. Brady’s dramatic rock number as King Herod is slightly frightening and strangely outstanding.
The costumes and set of Nativity! The Musical do not disappoint – the staging is transformed from a small colourful classroom in Coventry to the glamour of Hollywood and then ultimately Coventry Cathedral. The set changes are smooth – without even realising you are on the plane to LA.
The famous catchy songs including ‘Sparkle and Shine’, ‘Nazareth’ and ‘She’s the Brightest Star’ have the audience dancing and singing along. The musical performed at Coventry Cathedral is just as amazing as I remembered and I can confirm it does include a death slide and a flying Angel Gabriel!
The audience participation and likeable characters make this a Christmas must-see. This is a great show for all of the family but go and see for yourself.
Molly Kerrigan
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