Nativity! The Musical is again as soon as extra for the festive interval and this 12 months is gracing its presence within the second metropolis, on the Birmingham Rep. An totally joyous, thrilling and camp as Christmas manufacturing that excels in each means.
Billy Roberts portrays Mr Madden with the very good steadiness of grumpiness and real earnestness – slowly defrosting his icy, damaged coronary heart and realising the youngsters are price greater than the horrible popularity of their faculty.The childlike and unconventional Mr Poppy is performed by Ben Lancaster, who with out ego, delivers a feast of endless expertise, immaculate comedian timing and heart-warming sincerity – which is usually a problem when enjoying such a juvenile character. Despite having a contemporary tackle the normal educating assistant and driving Mr Madden loopy along with his meddling methods, Mr Poppy whole-heartedly believes within the youngsters and their different expertise and drags Mr Madden alongside for the journey.
Mr Shakespeare – Oakmore’s aggressive and ruthless trainer is the devilishly eccentric villain on this present. No baddy ever seen earlier than is as camp, flamboyant and lined in glitter as Matthew Rowland on this position.
The true coronary heart of this present is the children on stage, giving it their all. With any child-heavy present, there’s at all times an opportunity of small mishaps on stage nevertheless, by no means have I seen a manufacturing with such sturdy and energetic youngsters. This ensemble of little ones carried the entire efficiency with pizazz – it feels unbelievable that that is the skilled debut of the bulk. Special point out has to go to Matilda Flower, who was undoubtedly (sorry for the pun) the star of the present. This teeny tot had the viewers beaming with pleasure as she delivered the cutest efficiency because the star of Bethlehem, leaving each spectator with an enormous cheek-hurting smile.The festive designs by David Woodhead convey the stage alive with color, glitter and creativity – one spotlight was a sequence of Christmas presents on stage massive sufficient to include the youngsters of St Bernadette’s.
Nativity! The Musical is enjoying till seventh Jan 2023 and is undoubtedly the perfect Christmas manufacturing I’ve seen in a few years.
Review by Esther Neville
Rating: ★★★★★Â
Seat: N31 | Price of Ticket: £47.50