Kicking off our Christmas shows, the Hatter family headed to see Nativity! The Musical. Pick Me Up Theatre have picked up the rights to adapt the classic film for the stage, and fill this pre-pantomime slot at Grand Opera House York.
Based on the 2009 film (one of our favourites!) the story follows primary school teacher Mr Maddens’ attempt to stage a nativity play, with hapless teaching assistant Mr Poppy both helping and hindering. A little white lie gets out of hand and soon the whole town believes that Hollywood producers are coming to film the show. The web of lies untangles, but there’s plenty of comedy and festive fun along the way!
Audiences can expect all the jokes, songs and silly situations from the film. There are new songs too, but in all honesty these are a mixed bag and some are forgettable – it’s the classics from the film that really shine. Highlights include Nazareth, She’s the Brightest Star and toe-tapper Sparkle and Shine. Out of the new songs, we especially enjoyed My Very First Day at School and the touching, Dear Father Christmas.
Gone to Coventry
It was clear from the start that Pick Me Up wouldn’t be scrimping on production values. Visually, it shone throughout, with some fabulously festive costumes and stunning sets. Clever use of scenery and props helped create everything from Madden’s living room to the headteacher’s office, Hollywood boulevard and – eventually – Coventry Cathedral.
A huge cast bring the story to life, under the helm of director Robert Readman. Large dance numbers choregraphed by Lesley Hill are full of energy and pizzazz.
Stuart Piper makes his company debut as Mr Maddens and makes for a believable primary school teacher. He has some wonderfully poignant moments as he reflects on his relationship with Jennifer Lore (Toni Feetenby) Not nearly as grumpy as Maddens-turned-Hobbit film actor Martin Freeman, he is instantly likeable and effortlessly engaging.
The comic foil to Maddens’ stoic professionalism, Mr Poppy is the classroom assistant any pupil would dream of! Silly, playful and anarchic, Jack Hooper plays him with naïve charm and bags of energy. Comparisons to the film are inevitable, but Hooper manages to stamp his own identity on the role. A real highlight for us and our two boys, the mini Hatters loved his daft impressions, funky dance moves and childlike personality.
Stuart Hutchinson’s delightfully theatrical Gordon Shakespeare – teacher at posh rival school Oakwood Academy – milks every moment, and almost ventures in panto villain territory. Speaking of villains, he even plays Herod in a rock opera and clearly relishes the role. ‘Camp as Christmas’ critic Patrick Burns (Jonny Holbeck) gets some big laughs with some fabulous lines.
In such a large cast there are too many roles to mention individually, but the whole team work together well as an ensemble spanning almost all ages.
It’s a Cracker
‘Never work with children or animals’ goes the dated old adage, but this show does both! Cracker the dog could’ve been easily omitted from the script but, no, Pick Me Up bring in an actual four-legged friend. There were shrieks of delight at the stage door afterwards where audiences could meet the cast, both canine and human.
Two teams of children shares the roles of the pupils. Our cast had bags of enthusiasm and energy, with some real aah moments amidst all the gags and funny auditions. There are some excellent singers too, with Beau Letrin as Star standing out in particular. Her confidence and vocals – even when flying high above the stage – is a treat! Jonah Haig as Ollie is a strong performer who I suspect will go on to bigger things. All the children were confident and didn’t seem phased by first-night nerves. Crucially, they all looked be having fun!
Silent Night
Unfortunately though, some lines and vocals were lost on this opening night due to a lack of microphones. With such a large cast, I can appreciate that it would be hard to effectively amplify everyone, but it’s a shame that some performers – especially the children – lost their moment in the spotlight as they fell almost silent.
Whether the production needs more floor mics, or some creative use of actors standing closer to those who do have microphones, I hope that it can be fixed as the run goes on. The live band are excellent, but they also regularly overpowered the vocals.
The only other niggle is that the shows runs long, and sometimes doesn’t feel as pacey as it should. Like a sheep in the nativity stable, it could use a little shearing. These are minor quibbles though, and the production is a testament to all the hard work and effort the team have put in.
The Gospel Truth
It’s worth noting that this is not the same professional production of Nativity! that is touring the UK. However, Pick Me Up have done an incredible job of adapting the show for the stage with a much smaller budget. Listed as an amateur production in the programme, don’t let that put you off as I’ve seen professional shows that don’t match the energy, dedication and production values of this theatrical treat. The fact that an amateur organisation can pull off such a feat is nothing short of Christmas magic.
Nativity! has that festive feel-good factor that is hard to describe, and even harder to engineer. I defy anyone to leave the theatre not humming Sparkle and Shine…oh boy is it catchy!
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
Nativity! The Musical runs until December 3rd, with tickets from £22.90. Like the travelling Magi, be a wise man (or woman) and book your tickets at www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/.
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 