A review of NATIVITY! The Musical

NATIVITY! The Musical is written, directed, and composed by the award-winning Debbie Isitt. I went along to the opening night at Birmingham Repertory Theatre to see this production and here is what I thought... 

A review of NATIVITY! The Musical

Yesterday at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, I attended the opening night of NATIVITY! The Musical. 

Written, directed, and composed by BAFTA and EMMY award-winning Debbie Isitt, NATIVITY! The Musical is based on the hit film 'NATIVITY!'.

The story follows St Bernadette’s, a school set in Coventry putting on its very own Nativity. It featured the likes of familiar stage presences such as Ben Lancaster, Billy Roberts, Jemma Churchill,  Ralph Bogard, Daisy Steere, and Cameron Johnson. 

This festive, super sparkly, feel-good musical brought to life on stage was absolutely phenomenal from start to finish and guarantees a great trip to the theatre. This musical was joyous and had so much heart and emotion, including some very special moments throughout the show.

Seeing this show really gets audiences in the spirit for Christmas, especially when we all just need a good laugh right now - and this is where this show delivers.

The staging of the set, costume design, lighting, and sound were all incredible. You could tell strong production value and planning had gone into producing this polished musical which has so many creative elements presented well to the audience. It definitely had the WOW factor and lots of spectacle on stage to keep everyone continuously entertained.

NATIVITY! The Musical has a very talented cast, each bringing lots of energy and enthusiasm to their characters. A huge congratulations to all the children from the two schools Oakmoor and St Bernadette’s, but in particular Matilda Flower from St Bernadette’s who gave an exceptional performance as The Star.

This musical has become so popular and a smash hit with audiences alike that it has even embarked on a UK tour and made it back to The REP, Birmingham in time for Christmas where it premiered in 2017 at the very same theatre before entering the West End.

Featuring hit songs such as SPARKLE AND SHINE, ONE NIGHT ONE MOMENT, NAZARETH, and SHE’S THE BRIGHTEST STAR the songs were so catchy that I left the theatre still singing SPARKLE AND SHINE. It’s one of those songs you just can’t get out of your head, especially when you connect the song and the atmosphere you experienced in the auditorium.

I’m delighted to award this show 5 stars and would like to thank everyone involved. I highly recommend this to anyone looking at seeing a festive production this Christmas, perfect for all the family.

Tickets can be found here and the production is running until Saturday 7 January 2023.

Header Image Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

Author

Gregary Burnsen-Hicks

Gregary Burnsen-Hicks Contributor

Interviewer/presenter, theatre/event reviewer, actor/performer, entrepreneur and journalist for Voice Magazine.

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