THE GENIUS of Coventry writer Debbie Isitt – Nativity! – which was released in 2009 (was it really that long ago) was brought to Droitwich when the stage version was put on by the Norbury Youth Theatre and Beginners on Stage.
It may seem a tad early to be watching Nativity! The Musical, but it was amazing how quickly myself (and everyone else watching) got into the Christmas spirit.
The show – like the Chrimbo Brit flick and as you would expect – is full of catchy songs to clap along to, plenty of festive feelgood and some pathos moments.
The story (if you have been living under a snow-compacted avalanche for the past 15 years) centres on teacher Paul Maddens who is tasked with turning a class of state primary school children into shining stars for the annual nativity.
His ex-girlfriend Jennifer has gone off to Hollywood and his friend Gordon Shakespeare (the trio attended acting academy together) is flying high at the local private school which, according to critic Patrick Burns, puts on five-star-review Christmas performances every year.
In true festive style, everyone pulled together to make this performance a memorable one – from the St Bernadette’s and Oakmoor children and ensemble to those taking centre stage in lead roles.
Grace Winters as the Lord Mayor, Charlie Walton as Mr Parker, Mary-Jane Peace as Miss Rye and TJ’s mum and George Panrucker as the Priest were all solid in their roles with the latter getting a few laughs as the somewhat comical clergyman.
Connor Lloyd was good as hard-to-please critic Burns and Matilda Steel made for a great Jennifer – she particularly impressed during her solo ‘Jennifer’s Plea’.
Georgia Howes was suitably arrogant as stuck-up and ‘must win at all costs and pantomime-style villain’ Shakespeare.
Lexi Prosser-Bowcott made the role as ‘optimistic’ headteacher Mrs Bevan her own as she tried to balance keeping her feet on the ground but wanting the school to come out of special measures and, for once, reach some dizzy heights.
Elliott Fitzhugh was wonderful as long-suffering, brow-beaten and constantly under-pressure Maddens. You really felt for him throughout – whether because of the misunderstandings, trying to control Mr Poppy and, finally have some success in his life. His comedy timing was fantastic.
Likewise, Alexis Steele was brilliant as Poppy – an apt name for a character that is constantly like a shaken-up bottle of pop.
She showed incredible energy on the stage from start to finish – exactly what the role needed.
There were plenty of enjoyable moments during the show and the cast did well to learn a lot of lines and actions – as well as their parts, they also performed the best part of a nativity play.
The best vocal performances and poignant moments came during the big show at ‘Coventry Cathedral’ when the whole cast, St Bernadette’s children and ensembles all sang in union. You could hear a pin drop during the moving candlelit scenes and it will probably take until February for me to get the earworm ‘Sparkle and Shine’ out of my head. That had the audience clapping along everytime it was performed.
Shout-out to the backstage team as this was a fast-paced show which needed a lot of quickfire set changes to keep up the rhythm. They certainly got their steps in (I’d love a look at their activity trackers).
The only criticism would be the mic volumes in the first act. The orchestra – as ever at the Norbury – was faultless all night, but it was sometimes hard to hear the young actors over the music and you had to really concentrate to make out what was being said or sung.
Nativity! The Musical runs until Sunday, November 10, with performances at 7.30pm each night until Saturday and a 2.30pm matinee on Sunday. Visit norburytheatre.co.uk for more information and tickets and to catch some often funny festive feelgood.
