Tis’ the season, as Pick Me Up Theatre revive the family favourite Nativity! – back bigger and brighter at Grand Opera House York this week.
It’s a Christmas classic: primary school teacher Mr Maddens is delivered a Christmas gift unlike any other… a Nativity to direct and a class teacher more childish than any of his pupils.
But alas, from the chaos, joy arises and multiplies as the children of St Bernadette’s create a production unlike no other – with death slides, floating stars and rapping kings… oh my! Of course Hollywood are on their way, or are they?
Nativity! The Musical is at the Grand Opera House York from Friday 22 to Saturday 30 November.
The stage was as fun-filled as the production itself, decorated with bright lights and tinsel trees. If you weren’t in the festive spirit before, there’s no doubt you’ll be leaving ready to deck the halls and get the Christmas music blasting!
So who was our loveable fool, Mr Poppy, the glue, giggles and glitter of the entire production. Adam Sowter is no stranger to York’s theatre scene and too right, a true professional who steps seamlessly into the shoes of this eccentric role. And by his side was his soon to be BFF Mr Maddens (Alex Hogg), the ying to his yang; it was a delight to watch their chemistry grow as the story progressed, they had the perfect love hate relationship.
As well as fresh new faces, Jonny Holbek and Alison Taylor return to their roles as rival prep school teacher Gordon Shakespeare and hopeless headteacher Mrs Bevan, both excellent portrayals. Taylor could have stepped directly out of the 2009 original film, with her helpless optimism and Holbek was a success, confirmed by the audience’s frosty reception towards the end of the production.
But less about the adults, there’s other rising stars shining brightly – and no I’m not talking about the ridiculously cute dog Cracker – but the entire children’s ensemble.
We were lucky to catch Team Poppy and Team Speare alternating for performances and all of which were beyond outstanding. Whether Hughie Clelland as our loveable Ollie or our shining star Katelyn (Ellen Dickson) – they exude confidence and charisma that even trained professionals would envy.
These exceptional children and the entire ensemble deliver some of the much-loved music from the original film; ‘Brightest Star’, ‘Nazareth’, and ‘One Night One Moment’ to name a few. Audiences were toe-tapping their way through each number and even joined the cast for a boogie after the extraordinary eagerly-anticipated finale.
Lesley Lettin and Adam Tomlinson have once again conjured up a production to remember, with audience members wiping away happy tears as it came to a close. This isn’t just a show, but a true Christmas experience, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the joy that can be shared when you simply believe in others.
Grab your tickets now to see a production bursting with heart and festive cheer!
Nativity! The Musical is at the Grand Opera House York until Saturday 30 November. Tickets start from £21 and are available here.