Nativity The Musical

 

Review by Paul Towers, 21/11/23

Nativity  The Musical, book & lyrics by Debbie Isitt, music by Debbie Issit & Nick Ager

Directed by Joshua J Knott

Produced by Knighton Park Operatic Society

At The Little Theatre until Saturday 25^th November 2023

“laughs galore for all the family”

Well, what a joyous way to kick start the festive season!

Knighton Park Operatic Society have garnered a huge cast of precociously talented youngsters and adults in this most joyous of hits.

Based closely on the hit film Nativity, this musical version by the same author is almost  pantomime and includes plenty of local references.

The story is that disillusioned primary school teacher Mr Maddens (Daniel Rowberry) has been pressured by his headmistress, Mrs Bevan (Keziah Caldwell), into mounting the annual Christmas play and has promised his class of primary school kids that a big Hollywood producer is coming to their Coventry school to see their Nativity Musical in order to make a film of it. Of course this is just a ploy to encourage their participation. Unfortunately new Teaching Assistant Mr Poppy (Ed Turner) overhears and takes it as true. Thus is started a real comedy of errors. No matter how Mr Maddens denies it nobody believes him.

Ed Turner’s Mr Poppy is an extraordinary performance of someone who has had 5 espressos and a couple of bags of Haribo and, deep inside, still thinks he is 5 years old as he bounces around Tigger-like. This behaviour, of course, bonds him to the kids and they give him, and Maddens, amazing performances.

Right from the start there are laughs galore and they don’t stop til the welling up of tears at the final curtain.

As well as a great adult cast of exemplary singers, there are two alternating groups of talented youngsters. Tucked away at the front of the stage is also a 12 piece live orchestra.

Unfortunately the entire run is sold out, not a seat to be had. You might want to try calling the box office to see if they have had any returns but I doubt anyone will be giving up their tickets willingly. It was so gratifying to see an audience that ranged from a babe in arms to proud grandparents thoroughly enjoying themselves.

www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/

www.ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk

 Pics(c) Poyner & Mee