Kicking off the Christmas theatre season in style, Burton’s Little Theatre Company sparkle and shine in a winning production of ‘Nativity! The Musical’, directed by John Bowness.

I had no idea, before reading the programme notes, that the 2009 hit Christmas film ‘Nativity!’ had spawned a franchise. There are four films in the series and, after last night’s heart-warming performance, they are all on my festive viewing list: ‘Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger’, ‘Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s my Donkey?’ and the fourth instalment – ‘Nativity Rocks!’

There is clearly a lot of love for this story of a group of questionably talented Coventry kids staging their unique take on that annual highlight in the primary school calendar: the school nativity. Debbie Isitt’s book and lyrics lose none of the charm of the original: the successful adaptation from screen to stage has made this show a top choice for amateur companies up and down the country and it’s easy to see why.

This musical version showcases local young talent: the 27-strong cast of children who play the students from rival schools St. Bernadette’s and Oakmoor are a delight and there were plenty of proud parents in the opening night audience.

As with so many Christmas shows, there is a story of love and friendship at its heart. Young friends Paul, Gordon and Jennifer share a dream to enter the glamorous world of acting. Years later, we see that everything has not gone quite to plan. Paul and Gordon are primary school teachers and Jennifer has jetted off to Hollywood, leaving a heartbroken Paul behind.

Joel Kirkpatrick is perfectly cast as the jaded Paul or ‘Mr Maddens’ to his motley crew of state-school pupils. Cantankerous, short-tempered and impatient with the children, you start to wonder why he’s not been sacked long ago. A softer side soon emerges thanks to the great chemistry between him and Matt Lesley’s wonderfully crazy Mr Poppy, the man-child classroom assistant from hell. Lesley brings the perfect combination of anarchic energy and tenderness to the role, made famous by Marc Wootton in the film.

Leon Ratcliffe is marvellously mean, with just a touch of camp, as Oakmoor School’s rival nativity director Gordon Shakespeare and Jodie Whitehead’s Jennifer is in fine voice: her performance of ‘Jennifer’s Plea’ in the second half is the vocal highlight of the night. Jodie Swann is excellent as mother-hen headteacher Mrs Bevan, as is Katie Haywood as acid-tongued reviewer Patricia Burns.

Projections on to the back wall neatly transport us between the rival schools and, in the second half, over the pond to America as Mr Maddens attempts to find Jennifer and persuade Hollywood to visit Coventry. The songs come thick and fast, favourites such as ‘St. Bernadette’s’, ‘Nazareth’ and ‘Sparkle and Shine’ filling the Brewhouse theatre with an infectious festive warmth.

Energetic choreography (Heather Gallagher and Jodie Swann) keeps things moving at a pace and, under Katie Hailstone’s musical direction, the band bring Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager’s score perfectly to life.

With its optimistic message about defying expectations, believing in yourself and the potential of every child to ‘sparkle and shine’, ‘Nativity! The Musical’ is the perfect festive theatrical treat. A highly recommended production guaranteed to put a huge Christmassy smile on your face.

‘Nativity! The Musical’ is playing at the Brewhouse Theatre in Burton upon Trent from 26^th to 30^th November 2024. Returns only.