Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 7 December 2019
Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Adapted to stage from the 2009 film, you really will not be disappointed by this production. It contains everything we love about the theatre during the festive period like sparkly costumes, faux snow, heroes and those to be booed at. Set in a Coventry primary school Mr Maddens (Scott Garnham) has been given the task of the school Nativity, a task which he does not revel in due to Christmas heartbreak and previous Nativity disasters but along comes the Teaching Assistant of dreams to save the day in the glorious form of Mr Poppy (Scott Paige).
From here on, hilarity ensues as the Nativity comes together alongside the developing Nativity at the rival snooty school which takes on a much darker but very funny slant on the festive season! With Mr Maddens connections with Hollywood it is rumoured there is going to be a visitor so everything that is loved about the annual production steps up 1000%. The old Coventry Cathedral as its backdrop, it turns into something special with added wow factor from a very brave Angel Gabriel dropping in from the spire on a 250ft death wire, 5 wise men in a boy band and the most beautiful star there has ever been.
The musical score is brilliant with songs taken from the film plus new ones for the stage production, they have that familiar christmassy feel about them but absolute comedy gold lyrically wise. Add the fantastically creative set to the mix and you are in for a cracker of a night as the glitter and fairylights of my wildest dreams shine and sparkle away lifting everyones spirits on a dark cold Decembers night.
The whole cast bought the house down but I believe that the standing ovation was especially for the talented and funny younger cast members that really made the production come alive as we remembered our own school Nativity’s with Mom’s best tea towels as shepherds head wear and ratty old tinsel draped mangers while we proudly belted out Little Donkey….and yes even at the age of 43 I’m still bitter I wasn’t Mary!