Nativity! The Musical at The Rep Birmingham

Sparkle and Shine, the well know finale song, in this incredible production sums up the the whole show. The musical is directed by Debbie Isitt who herself grew up in Birmigham which explains why there are so many funny local jokes in the show. Debbie not only directed the stage show but also wrote Nativity and launched it as a film. This means the play is true to the film and 'goes big' in every way possible from the sets, the costumes, the songs and the cast.

In the local area, it seems like there are many whispers of children who tried out for the show or almost made it to the stage. Having watched the show, its clear that it must have been incredibly competitive to be one of the 50 local children out of a cast of 67 who made it onto the stage. The children were amazing, quickly falling into role as sweet, funny, moody or prim as required. 6 year old 'Matilda Flower' stole the heart of the audience as the star of Bethlehem and got well deserved applause after applause for her singing, dancing and high kicks.

Nativity! The Musical comes highly recommended by my family. Children and adults alike were laughing, clapping and singing along throughout the show. We absolutely loved Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy with my girls wishing they would turn up at their school on Monday morning to produce a show. The pair of actors were a brilliant combo, bouncing off each other to produce a show with hilarity and also poignant moments. A combination that is difficult to achieve.

The show is packed full of glittering dancing that fills the stage with light and movement. We especially enjoyed the mean, but very funny, Mr Shakespeare leading the cast of posh school pupils from Oakmoor who danced brilliantly. However, the audience's heart cannot be pulled away from brilliant St Bernadette's who you are always rooting for. As a teacher myself, I've been part of many nativities where you are always hoping 'it will be alright on the night' and it usually is! But that's part of what makes this story so heart warming and special at Christmas. We've all had a lop sided tea towel round our head and a shepherd's crook wrapped in tin foil or hoped upon hope to play Mary. 

Nativity! The Musical is running at The Rep Birmingham until 7th January 2023. Many of the shows in the run up to Christmas already have limited availability. This show is bound to be popular and as word gets around, I'm sure it will sell itself.

Tickets start at 19.50 with a discount of 5 off a child's ticket.

https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/nativity-the-musical/#event-booking

Special thanks to The Rep Birmingham for gifting us tickets to review the show.