REVIEW | Nativity! The Musical.

Nativity! The Musical 

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 

★★★★★

Christmas isn't far away, the shelves are already stacked with gift ideas, we'll soon hear the familiar hum of 'Holidays are Coming' on the TV and in Coventry, something extremely special has arrived to bring you some Christmas joy, even if it is a little bit early. Nativity! The Musical has arrived in style and is a joyous musical you really want to take your family to this Christmas. This is the second tour of the production (read my review from last year here) and it is packed with just as much Sparkle and Shine than before. 

Known for the smash hit 2009 British film, Nativity!, we follow a group of children from an ordinary school as they attempt to stage a nativity play like no other, something Coventry has ever seen. It's in the hands of teacher Mr Maddens (Scott Garnham) and his bonkers teaching assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with not only the children but an ambitious headteacher and the possibility of Hollywood producers. Watching this the second time was just as fun and memorable as it was last November.

Scott Garnham takes on the role of Mr Maddens, a gentle and likeable teacher that is heartbroken after his long-term girlfriend Jennifer left him at Christmas to pursue her own dreams of becoming a Hollywood producer.I really enjoyed watching Scott perform as Mr Maddens and thought he brought the gentle side of him out to perfection. At times though seen as almost "bah humbug" at times.

Mr Poppy (Simon Lipkin) is the definition of Christmas joy with his infectious excitement and bubbly Teaching Assistant. His humour is effortless and well-timed punned references to modern culture went down well the audiences, especially for the adults! I can't wait to see Simon in this role in the new Nativity Rocks! film coming out in November.  The relationship between Mr Poppy and Maddens was fresh and heartwarming, completely balancing one another out to portray a growing friendship through the entire production. 

Of course Nativity! The Musical isn't complete without the children. There is a remarkable quality in each and every one of the young people who have been carefully selected from across the Midlands. These children will embark on the full tour of the show and aged between 9-12 they are true professionals and excel in their performances. Their confidence and stage presence are outstanding for a production on this scale, even when one child did have a bit of a wardrobe malfunction but was able to carry on in style! You will be wowed by their individuality and will probably find it quite emotional, for all of the right reasons! (especially in their epic musical production!) 

The finale performance of the epic musical production is the big number of the night, the children really shine as they take on the feel-good smash hit songs from the film, particularly Sparkle and Shine which had the audience behind them clapping and dancing along. You could really feel the love and warmth that the audience felt for these children. 

The production is hands down one of the most festive, joyous and touching evenings at the theatre. It is undoubtedly one of the best musicals out there this Winter and I would encourage everyone to see this production during its tour. I'm tempted to put my Christmas tree up already! 

Nativity! The Musical has everything and more you expect from a production; great cast, infectious joy and an incredible young cast. It's definitely not a production you want to miss this festive season, so make sure you go and see it with the family before its too late!

Now onto organising my Nativity for my school this Christmas.. 

You can find out where Nativity! The Musical is near you by visiting their website here.