Nativity ! - The Musical (UK Touring)
Bringing a bit of Christmas Cheer early to Birmingham (even before the Frankfurt Christmas Market descends) is the stage musical adaptation of the made for television film of the same name with songs to warm the heart and a polished cast including some prodigious youth actors who have no right to be that capable at such a young age.
Telling the story of three childhood friends Paul, Jennifer and Gordon in Coventry all with pretencions of a career in the theatre are ultimately drawn to the teaching profession, after all if you can't act then teach. Paul and Jennifer strike up a relationship leaving Gordon spurned and compelled to use his tyrannical want to be more successful at the local posh preparatory school, Jennifer moves to Los Angeles to a role in Hollywood although not quite what she pitches to Paul who returns to his teaching role at St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School.
In a moment of weakness Paul, played with empathy by Daniel Boys, who has been forced into directing the school Nativity Play much against his will, suggests that he has arranged for a Hollywood Director to film the performance, this is ultimately an ill judged attempt to respond to the goading of Gordon (a master class in comic evil from Andy Brady) but, finds himself unable to reverse his words.
Nephew of the head teacher at St Bernadette's is the sensitive Mr Poppy (simply a genius performance by Simon Lipkin) provided with a career lifeline of a Teaching Assistant position but, struggles to be a responsible adult and wants to be more of a friend to the pupils then an education provider.
Paul believes Jennifer's position in Hollywood is his only chance and travels to plead with her but, she isn't the executive producer she suggested, she is a secretary and he leaves disappointed. In the midst of all the confusion one would be forgiven for thinking there is no happy ending here but, far from it and with the help of Mr Poppy we see Paul and the kids from St Bernadette's pull of a masterpiece of modern nativity watched by Jennifer who has returned with the requested Hollywood Director, even Gordon eventually gives in with plans of sabotage and the three friends are reunited.
With a feelgood vibe that is the usual root of success, some thoroughly entertaining writing, composing and direction from Debbie Isitt, additional composition from Nicky Ager, energetic choreography from Andrew Wright and musical supervision from George Dyer this is a show that I can see being revisited regularly at Christmas and with good reason.
Touring the UK until 6th January 2018 this is one for the whole family to laugh, cry and sing along with so get your tickets while they are still available.
Book Here
Telling the story of three childhood friends Paul, Jennifer and Gordon in Coventry all with pretencions of a career in the theatre are ultimately drawn to the teaching profession, after all if you can't act then teach. Paul and Jennifer strike up a relationship leaving Gordon spurned and compelled to use his tyrannical want to be more successful at the local posh preparatory school, Jennifer moves to Los Angeles to a role in Hollywood although not quite what she pitches to Paul who returns to his teaching role at St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School.
In a moment of weakness Paul, played with empathy by Daniel Boys, who has been forced into directing the school Nativity Play much against his will, suggests that he has arranged for a Hollywood Director to film the performance, this is ultimately an ill judged attempt to respond to the goading of Gordon (a master class in comic evil from Andy Brady) but, finds himself unable to reverse his words.
Nephew of the head teacher at St Bernadette's is the sensitive Mr Poppy (simply a genius performance by Simon Lipkin) provided with a career lifeline of a Teaching Assistant position but, struggles to be a responsible adult and wants to be more of a friend to the pupils then an education provider.
Paul believes Jennifer's position in Hollywood is his only chance and travels to plead with her but, she isn't the executive producer she suggested, she is a secretary and he leaves disappointed. In the midst of all the confusion one would be forgiven for thinking there is no happy ending here but, far from it and with the help of Mr Poppy we see Paul and the kids from St Bernadette's pull of a masterpiece of modern nativity watched by Jennifer who has returned with the requested Hollywood Director, even Gordon eventually gives in with plans of sabotage and the three friends are reunited.
With a feelgood vibe that is the usual root of success, some thoroughly entertaining writing, composing and direction from Debbie Isitt, additional composition from Nicky Ager, energetic choreography from Andrew Wright and musical supervision from George Dyer this is a show that I can see being revisited regularly at Christmas and with good reason.
Touring the UK until 6th January 2018 this is one for the whole family to laugh, cry and sing along with so get your tickets while they are still available.
Book Here
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