Sparkle And Shine! It’s Nativity The Musical
After the triumph that was last years Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Bilston Operatic Company returned to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night with the sparkliest, shiniest musical of them. Even the uber critic that is Patrick Burns would’ve agreed that this is one show that is definitely worthy of 5 stars. I am talking, of course, about the wonderful Nativity, the feelgood Christmas musical that has a heart of gold and will register a never ending smile from even the worst of Scrooges. It has incredible sets, glorious songs and a cast that is just perfect. In short, it is Christmas and it is wonderful!
We all remember Nativity from the Martin Freeman movie that has become a Christmas classic, but for those who have been living under a rock each Christmas, Nativity is the tale of three childhood friends who all go into acting but fail in this chosen career. The two male actors, Mr Maddens and Mr Shakespeare, become primary teachers in two very different schools, whilst Jennifer, who is also the girlfriend of Mr Maddens, pursues her dream of working in Hollywood, leaving Maddens one Christmas. Maddens and Shakespeare get into a deep rivalry when it comes to the annual Nativity performance, both seeking a five star review from local reviewer Patrick Burns, with only Shakespeare, working at the exclusive Oakmoor School, getting it. Despondent over the loss of Jennifer, and the humiliation of the St Bernadette’s nativity, Mr Madden decides he hates Christmas. But when headteacher Mrs Bevan decides that the school is going to have another try at the nativity, and that Mr Maddens is going to be in charge, things start to catapult out of control. Add into the mix the arrival of the lovable, but slightly crazy Mr Poppy as his new classroom assistant, and you have all the ingredients for a Christmas disaster.
In the hands of the Bilston Operatic Company, the perfect Christmas shows absolutely thrills. Nativity is just lovely, not least because of the joyous performances of the super talented cast. The leads are all perfectly cast, with Matt Elson a standout as Mr Poppy, playing the role with the childlike exuberance and revelling in rude words and silly actions that kids love so much. His Mr Poppy isn’t just ‘down with the kids’, he is a real child-man, and is totally delightful, and so easy to fall in love with as a result. Alec White, so good as Caratacus Potts last year, plays Mr Maddens as a perfect foil for the energy of Mr Poppy he adds balance and pathos to the piece, from his exasperation with Mr Poppy and his antics, to his quiet sadness in the scene where he reads the letters the children have wrote for Santa. Stacey Lovatt as Jennifer is also very good, particularly in the scene where she sings the poignant ‘Jennifer’s request’, whilst Olly Derham is hilariously funny as Mr Shakespeare, who is almost a perfect pantomime style baddy, I loved his over the top rendition of ‘Herod the Rock Opera’ which is frankly hilarious and terrifying in equal measure. There are also great performances from Mike James as the bitchy theatre critic Patrick Burns with his legendary minus 2 stars!!
But it is the children if St Bernadette’s and Oakmoor School who are at the heart of Nativity, and totally steal the show. The children of Nativity are adorable, totally melting the hearts of even the hardest critic. The warmth and exuberance of their performances feel totally real and natural, and each and every one of them just shine. There could not have been an audience member who didn’t have a lump in their throat during the poignant, heartfelt ‘Dear Father Christmas’ whilst the songs of the ‘Nativity’ itself are alive with humour and sass. Special mentions must be made of Theo Traat as Ollie, Oliver Rudge as Alfie, Lucas Barker as TJ, and Isabella Farenden as the star – all future stars to look out for. By the time the curtain falls, after the incredibly catchy ‘Sparkle and Shine’. they have the audience clapping along with many on their feet, totally believing they have witnessed the rebirth of St Bernadette’s.
You won’t see a more wonderful, heart-warming show this Christmas. Nativity the musical is all the joy of the festive season in one very glittery package.
Nativity the Musical
Wolves Grand Until Sunday 17th November
Click here for ticket information
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One Comment
Leigh Barker
Great review my son is playing the part of TJ in the production, when reading the review I noticed his name is mentioned as Lucas Parker, this is incorrect his name is Lucas Barker could this be corrected. Many thanks.