Where festive fun meets theatrical sparkle — Nativity! The Musical lights up the Regent stage
- David Bithell
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Stage Productions presents Nativity! the musical.
Book by Debbie Issit
Music & Lyrics by Debbie Issit & Nicky Ager
Review by Lee Brookes on behalf of A View To A Kiln
Well if this is an amateur production, it puts many professional theatre companies to shame. Stage Productions’ adaptation of the beloved 2009 Christmas film brings all the sparkle and shine of the original to the Regent Theatre this week.
Set between Coventry and Los Angeles, the staff and children of St Bernadette’s Primary School, attempt to stage the ultimate nativity play. Led by a reluctant Mr Maddens (Dan Booth) and his wildly unpredictable teaching assistant Mr Poppy (James Dawe), a little white lie, or maybe a huge black one, takes what should be a run of the mill school nativity play to spectacular Hollywood heights!
The plot draws heavily from its source material with added theatrical flair. The rumour of a Hollywood producer attending the school nativity creates a whirlwind of excitement, glitter, and giggles.
Fans of the film will love hearing favourites like Sparkle and Shine and Nazareth, alongside an expanded score by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager. This stage version boasts 21 musical numbers, making it a true festive extravaganza.
The fast paced first act sets the scene and introduces the characters to the audience really well.
Following the interval, the second act has some lulls, and suffers when the fantastic ensemble of children are not on stage, but it builds to a truly brilliant musical crescendo.
This is a family-friendly show that appeals to all ages. There is plenty to keep both children and adults entertained, in particular the childlike antics of Mr Poppy.
For me though, the outstanding moments of the show involved the younger members of the cast, who not only looked at ease during their performances, but also like they’d been doing this for years.
The atmosphere in the sold out auditorium was buzzing, with the laughter of the children in the audience filling the room.
Nativity! The Musical at the Regent Theatre is everything you want from a pre-Christmas show: fun, heartwarming, and packed with sparkle.
4.5/5 A must-see festive treat for the whole family!
Nativity! the musical is at the Regent Theatre, Hanley until 6th December 2025.
Comments