Review: NATIVITY THE MUSICAL, Birmingham Rep
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Important notice: Nativity is a heartwarming Christmas musical, one which we all need right now.
Mr. Madden is a failed actor who becomes a primary school teacher after his girlfriend leaves him and his dog at Christmas to make a career in Hollywood. Ouch. A future Christmas rolls around, and he decides to produce a school nativity. As luck would have it, his arch rival from another school, Mr. Shakespeare, has decided to produce a school nativity too. If Mr. Madden had been to Tenerife, Mr. Shakespeare most probably would have already been to “Elevenerife”. Thus, a grumpy Mr. Madden is not too happy when his new and enthusiastic teaching assistant Mr. Poppy overhears him lying to Mr. Shakespeare about their new nativity being broadcasted by ‘Hollywood’…
Rebecca Louis’ choreography is flawless: it moves the story along while at the same time providing wonderful movement full of Christmas cheer and a tone-deaf Christmas tree (you’ll see!) The set is fluid and full of Christmas sparkle, moving us all the way from Hollywood to Coventry Cathedral. The costumes throughout the show are just the right amount of dazzling. The songs are lighthearted and easy on the ears, as you would expect. The real surprise number is ‘Dear Father Christmas’, when the children sing aloud their letters to Father Christmas. It a poignant piece in the show that gives real depth to the story and takes a few tears from the audience.
It will come as no surprise that the real stars of this school nativity are the children. Each child has their own time to shine and work wonderfully as an ensemble to create a real authentic feel in an otherwise unbelievable story. Mr. Poppy played by the multi-talented Ben Lancaster has a wonderful childlike quality that carries and contrasts with Mr. Madden’s (played by Billy Roberts) grumpy exterior. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real story without a villain. Mr. Shakespeare is a wonderfully interactive character and is fantastically executed by Matthew Rowland. Add in a cockapoo puppy named Crackers dressed as a donkey, and you have a truly whimsical, uplifting Christmas tale.
This show is suitable for all the family. Expect plenty of laughter, a few tears and glitter galore. Nativity the Musical highlights the joy of teaching, and ultimately the thing which children truly need in life, which is someone to believe in them. Based on the much-loved film starring Martin Freeman, and not deviating too far from this, Nativity the Musical is an absolute spectacle full of joy and wonder.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton
Nativity the Musical plays at Birmingham Rep until 7 January 2023, with tickets available here.