“Nativity – The Musical”
Nottingham Theatre Royal

Now here is a musical to get you in a jolly holly mood for Christmas.

Here's a spoiler as to if I enjoyed this musical. MY FACE MUSCLES ACHE FROM HAVING A PERMANENT SMILE ON MY FACE!!!!!

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Only trouble is teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film.

Maddens' girlfriend, Jennifer, up sticked to Hollywood to follow her dreams to be a producer so Maddens flew over there to ask her to come back to Coventry and bring Hollywood back to see the Nativity.

All this just to get one up on his primary school teacher rival, Mr Shakespeare, who always gets a 5 Star review for his end of school term shows from local reviewer critic Patrick Burns. Last year he gave St Bernadette's school production a -2 Stars!!

But how will Mr Maddens tempt Hollywood to Coventry, especially when he discovers that dreams don't always come true....especially in Hollywood!

Simon Lipkin plays Mr Poppy and as soon as he arrives on stage he IS Mr Poppy from the films! He appeals to all age groups who have come to see this show in the same way as many of the panto characters we’ve all seen grace the stage in panto season. In fact the whole atmosphere in this show is partly panto, especially with the ease that Mr Lipkin ad-libs. Quite simply he is fantastic fun for whatever age, reminding us all to be more child-like and have more fun.

Charlie Brooks, who everyone will know as Janine from “Eastenders” plays the part of The Hollywood Producer. Not the biggest part in the musical but good to see her back in Nottingham.

Scott Garnham is a great straight man, as Mr Maddens, to Simon's Mr Poppy, and a nice musical theatre singing voice. No surprise there though looking at his theatrical resume.

Jennifer is played by Ashleigh Gray, and although she didn't have any singing to do in the first act, in Act Two, Ashleigh showed off a gorgeous voice in the wonderful ballad "Jennifer's Request".

Andy Brady becomes the "panto baddie" role as Mr Shakespeare and receives plenty of "boos" with his actions in the second half. I loved his "Herod" role with a difference in his "Herod - The Rock Musical" end of term production for his school.

Jamie Chapman, as local critic Patrick Burns channels his best Allan Carr and is a comedy highlight in this show.

Jemma Churchill as St Bernadette's head teacher Mrs Bevan, is again another fun role to watch.

Local actor Oscar Conlon-Morrey plays the PE Teacher , Mr Rye, but on Thursday takes on the role of Mr Poppy. I've seen Oscar several times locally over the years until he moved to entertainment pastures new in the south, so it's great to see him back in Nottingham and on the "big stage". Oscar is one of those people who you instantly like on meeting and I for one am chuffed that his career is on the rise. After this show he's back on tour with "Only Fools And Horses - The Musical" in the New Year.

Oscar is not the only local actor on stage as well, Earlier in the year auditions were held for local children to be part of the show. Fifteen wonderfully talented kids from the local area play Mr Shakespeare's Drama Club. Bursting with energy and confidence and every one a personality and little star in their own right. Brilliant role models for any youngster who is thinking of joining local drama groups.

The kids of St Bernadette's are touring with the production and are, just like the local young actors, full of enthusiasm, energy and personality, and all of these kids are true stars who literally sparkle and shine very brightly.

All this and the very cute Pepper, who plays Cracker, the dog.

I could go back and see this wonderfully warm, funny and feel-good musical every night, but I'm not sure if my cheek muscles would be able to stand the constant exercise but, if I wasn't already pre occupied, I'd be willing to put those muscles to the test.

This show is one that you can take your kids to as well as your Great Grandparents and they will all love absolutely everything about this musical. It truly is a magical show.

The costumes, the sets, the lights, the musical numbers, the sound, everything was pure perfection and I left the Nottingham Theatre Royal with a lovely warm feeling inside and in an even more Christmassy mood than I went in.

A real festive treat for everyone which should not be missed, especially as Hollywood.... sorry Holidays are indeed coming!.

“Nativity – The Musical” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 25 November 2018