Reviewed by Carolyn Dewey
Nativity the musical is a fun and exciting way to dive into this December, and embrace the Christmas spirit, it is on at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. It is great to start early and a very good alternative I thought to the traditional panto. I went along with my daughter and her two friends who are aged 11/12. The Mayflower is in a convenient location nearby the station and bus stops, and car park within walking distance. There is also a few bars and restaurants along the same road, so it is easy to have a bite to eat before the theatre or a quick drink. We took our own treats with us to save pennies and time queuing.
The Nativity is based on the 2009 film, starring Martin Freeman as Ashley Jenson (Mr Maddens), and Marc Woollen as Mr Poppy and lots other famous great actors. My children and I have laughed our way through all three films over the years, so the musical had a lot to live up to.
The plot came back to me as the scene started and was the same as the film more or less. The musical scene started with three characters, who were friends from school and grew up together, there were two boys and a girl. The three of them went on to study drama after school, they had big dreams, but is was to be the girl, Jennifer, who received a letter and an exciting opportunity to go off to Hollywood. Ashley, one of the boys later bitterly regrets not proposing to his friend Jennifer before she left for America. He is left with his dog Cracker for company, a gorgeous caramel fluffy dog. The two boys become rival primary school teachers and end up competing for the best Nativity each year. Five years later a slip of the tongue from Ashley whilst showing off and a big lie leads to all sorts of troubles for him (Mr Madden). Luckily for Ashley/Mr Madden his new teaching assistant is there to help him (Mr Poppy).
I am pleased that Mr Poppy lived up to expectations, Scott Paige, filled his role with enthusiasm, energy and positivity, bold, fearless and very funny, he is able to turn any bad situation around. The school children love him. The roles of the primary school children acting in their school play ranged from bright quirky Bethlehem buildings, traditional Mary and Joseph, and the odd 5 wise men and lots of stars. The children were talented and heart-warming, especially when the letters were read out they wrote to Father Christmas asking for their play to not be stopped, they were so looking forward to it. Mr Poppy also befriended Cracker who also deserves a mention, what a well behaved clever dog, she was passed around on many a scene, and never made a noise, cute in every scene even in a Christmas outfit. All the cast were excellent in their roles.
The show was full of glitz and sparkle, bringing Hollywood to Coventry was the aim of the Nativity. The last scenes were in the old city cathedral, with the Nativity in full swing, the lighting fails, disaster it seems. A clever switch idea from Mr Poppy saves the day and gets the audience to participate by shinning their phone lights, I handed mine to my daughter to put it on so she could wave it the air and sway to the songs. Then in comes Hollywood on the helicopter, followed by bright shining stars, planets, angels and all.
All four of us agreed it was a lovely evening out and the show was a 10 out of 10 from us, with catchy songs to clap along too, clear sound, along with funny jokes and pranks, and great vocals, especially from Jennifer/Ashleigh Grey.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £22.50 to £49.50 (booking fees may apply).
Nativity! The Musical is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 3-7 December 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
