Reviewed by Dorothy White
We started our Christmas celebrations early this year with a visit to Milton Keynes Theatre to watch Nativity The Musical, there was certainly ‘Sparkle & Shine’! The theatre was packed with excited children and adults for the opening night.
Nativity The Musical, written by Debbie Isitt, closely followed the film and tells the story of three friends who grew up together, two of whom fell in love, but then their lives went in different directions. Two became teachers and one followed her dream to work in Hollywood as a film producer.
Mr Maddens, played by Scott Garnham, taught at St Bernadette’s, a failing school where nobody ever gave the children a chance. He was miserable and didn’t enjoy Christmas any more since his friend Jennifer Lore, played by Ashleigh Gray, the love of his life had moved to Hollywood. On the other hand, Mr Shakespeare, played by Andy Brady, and his students of Oakmoor School excelled and had numerous opportunities.
Everything changed when Mrs Bevan, played by Jemma Churchill, headteacher of St Bernadette’s brought in her unemployable nephew as an enthusiastic, childish classroom assistant in Mr Poppy, played by Simon Lipkin, to help Mr Maddens, then everything at St Bernadette’s changed.
The entire cast were fantastic, but Mr Poppy stood out, he was absolutely brilliant. Was there anything he couldn’t do? He was great with Mr Maddens and excellent with the children.
The costumes were really colourful to say the least. Quick changes cleverly done.
The staging was simple but really great. The plane was brilliant!!
The children were all fantastic. St Bernadette’s children were great and so funny, I imagine each child was handpicked for their own special character. The Oakmoor School children had been selected from the local area and did a great job especially with Mr Shakespeare in ‘Herod The Rock Opera’.
Excellent musical numbers ‘Sparkle and Shine’, ‘Nazareth’, ‘One Night One Moment’ and ‘She’s The Brightest Star’ with a great supporting band who did not overpower the cast.
A really fantastic show with great humour.
Look out for cracker and don’t forget to charge your mobile!!!
Don’t miss this fantastic show.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15.90 to £71.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Nativity The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 14-18 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
