Nativity! The Musical Review

November 17, 2017 by Claire Cosgrove

Too early for Christmas? Absolutely not! After a truly joyous evening watching Nativity! The Musical at The Cliff’s Pavilion in Southend, I am now bursting with Christmas spirit!

I took my two boys, aged 6 and 9, along with me for the ride. We swatted up, watching the incredibly popular film version the week before. Rather enthralled by the film, I was feeling pretty optimistic that that we were going to enjoy ourselves. After all, this new musical adaptation was created by the brilliant Debbie Isitt, who also wrote, directed and co-composed the original movie.

If you loved the film, you won’t be disappointed. Isitt has barely deviated too far from the original.

At the centre of the story is poor Mr Madden, played by Daniel Boys. A jaded primary school teacher, disillusioned by life, uptight, stressed and now the director of the school nativity at St Bernadette’s School. Things only get worse for him when he is teamed up with a crazy new teaching assistant, Mr Poppy, played by the brilliant Simon Lipkin. The antithesis of frosty Mr Madden, Mr Poppy is a big kid with a big heart who literally hops, skips, jumps and jokes his way from one situation to the next. Only trouble is, Mr Madden has inadvertently promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Together, can they coax Hollywood over to the see the show and pull off the performance of their life and make everyone’s Christmas wish come true?

It’s such a feel-good show packed with yuletide joy. There are dancing Christmas trees, talking camels, singing, rapping, body popping and even a cute little puppy called Cracker. There are all the favourite sing-a-long hits from the film, including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and and some lovely new songs to enjoy too.

Simon Lipkin was fabulous as Mr Poppy, giving a hilariously energetic performance. His timing was absolutely spot on and you couldn’t help falling in love with his boundless optimism and verve for life. Daniel Boys was very likeable as Mr Madden, cleverly getting the right balance of weary cynicism and vulnerability. Jemma Churchill as Mrs Bevan and Andy Brady as Mr Shakespeare gave it all they got and looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves too.

Of course, the stars of the show are the multi-talented cast of children. It all felt so real and there lies the joy. They sang and danced and hurtled around the stage in all directions. The performances were purposely left raw and unpolished, with loads of personality and character in each of the individual children. They all shone brightly and stole the show.

The lavish sets, flashing stars and superb costumes gave the show a spectacular finish. Just wait for the wonderful moment when the darkness in the theatre is filled with hundreds of tiny torch lights, with a little bit of help from the audience. Beautifully effective and brought a little lump to my throat.

I love Christmas and this show is the perfect way to start the celebrations. It’s a great alternative to the traditional pantomime, with lots more to offer the little ones. My two boys really loved it.

No, it’s not too early and yes, you are going to love it! I bet you will leave the theatre with a huge smile on your face and a warm glow inside.

On now until Sunday 19th November. Be quick!