NODA's Review of "Nativity! The Musical"
IMOG Nativity
Director - Angie McGlashon
Musical Director - Owain Jones
Choreographer - Emma Dyos/ Deborah Fisher
Performed at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Centre Friday 24th January 2025
Under the passionate direction of Angie McGlashon, Nativity! The Musical proved to be a heartwarming triumph that delivered laughter, joy, and a sense of festive magic. Angie poured her heart and soul into the production, ensuring that every cast member had their moment to shine, creating a performance filled with warmth and inclusivity.
Steve Critchell’s portrayal of Mr Poppy was a standout. Bringing a perfect blend of childlike energy and lovable mischief, Steve captured the essence of the character wonderfully. As someone who holds the original film close to heart, I’m not easily won over by reinterpretations of beloved characters, but Steve’s performance was so charming and excitable that it exceeded expectations. It's the best show I’ve seen him in.
Mark Walker as Paul Maddens was sheer perfection. His dry humour and impeccable comedic timing made the character’s grumpiness endearing, and he had the audience rooting for him from start to finish. Mark’s vocal performance was equally impressive, showcasing a lovely tone that added depth to the role.
Denyse Donnell played Jennifer Lore with grace, hitting every note effortlessly, while Jeremy Martin delivered a thoroughly convincing Gordon Shakespeare—a character we all love to hate but can’t help laughing at due to his exaggerated self-love.
Sharon Cornes’ Mrs Bevans was another highlight. Her hilarious take on the character brought new life to the role, leaving the audience in stitches throughout.
A special mention must go to Sonny as Cracker the dog, who captured everyone’s hearts the moment he stepped on stage. Every appearance was met with lots of “ahhs” and it was almost impossible to focus on anything else while this “top dog” was in the spotlight.
The true stars of the show, however, were the children. Made up of friends and family of the adult cast, their professionalism and authenticity were remarkable. Many of the children played multiple roles, and not only did they do this fantastically, but the direction made these transitions appear effortless. They didn’t miss a single note or choreographed move, which is high praise for such a young ensemble. Their performances brought a realness to the production that elevated the entire show.
The costume department excelled, particularly with the nativity costumes. The 3D-printed light-up planets, designed by Karl Holdsworth, and the tasselled “brightest star” costume were visually stunning. Every detail added to the spectacle.
The set design was refreshingly minimal, relying on projections and select props to create the world of the show. This clever use of resources proved that a great production doesn’t require an expensive set. The angel prop for TJ’s death slide moment was a comedic highlight that had the audience in fits of laughter. The only slight drawback was occasional sound balancing. There were rare moments when it was difficult to hear certain lines or lyrics. That said, the cast’s projection was strong overall, and the decision to focus on inclusivity remains an admirable one.
In summary, Nativity! The Musical was a triumph. It had me laughing, crying, and leaving the theatre feeling a thousand times better than when I arrived—and isn’t that exactly how theatre should make you feel? Bravo to the entire cast and crew for delivering such a joyous and heartwarming experience.
Natalie Hills
District 10 NODA East
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved
Director - Angie McGlashon
Musical Director - Owain Jones
Choreographer - Emma Dyos/ Deborah Fisher
Performed at Ingatestone and Fryerning Community Centre Friday 24th January 2025
Under the passionate direction of Angie McGlashon, Nativity! The Musical proved to be a heartwarming triumph that delivered laughter, joy, and a sense of festive magic. Angie poured her heart and soul into the production, ensuring that every cast member had their moment to shine, creating a performance filled with warmth and inclusivity.
Steve Critchell’s portrayal of Mr Poppy was a standout. Bringing a perfect blend of childlike energy and lovable mischief, Steve captured the essence of the character wonderfully. As someone who holds the original film close to heart, I’m not easily won over by reinterpretations of beloved characters, but Steve’s performance was so charming and excitable that it exceeded expectations. It's the best show I’ve seen him in.
Mark Walker as Paul Maddens was sheer perfection. His dry humour and impeccable comedic timing made the character’s grumpiness endearing, and he had the audience rooting for him from start to finish. Mark’s vocal performance was equally impressive, showcasing a lovely tone that added depth to the role.
Denyse Donnell played Jennifer Lore with grace, hitting every note effortlessly, while Jeremy Martin delivered a thoroughly convincing Gordon Shakespeare—a character we all love to hate but can’t help laughing at due to his exaggerated self-love.
Sharon Cornes’ Mrs Bevans was another highlight. Her hilarious take on the character brought new life to the role, leaving the audience in stitches throughout.
A special mention must go to Sonny as Cracker the dog, who captured everyone’s hearts the moment he stepped on stage. Every appearance was met with lots of “ahhs” and it was almost impossible to focus on anything else while this “top dog” was in the spotlight.
The true stars of the show, however, were the children. Made up of friends and family of the adult cast, their professionalism and authenticity were remarkable. Many of the children played multiple roles, and not only did they do this fantastically, but the direction made these transitions appear effortless. They didn’t miss a single note or choreographed move, which is high praise for such a young ensemble. Their performances brought a realness to the production that elevated the entire show.
The costume department excelled, particularly with the nativity costumes. The 3D-printed light-up planets, designed by Karl Holdsworth, and the tasselled “brightest star” costume were visually stunning. Every detail added to the spectacle.
The set design was refreshingly minimal, relying on projections and select props to create the world of the show. This clever use of resources proved that a great production doesn’t require an expensive set. The angel prop for TJ’s death slide moment was a comedic highlight that had the audience in fits of laughter. The only slight drawback was occasional sound balancing. There were rare moments when it was difficult to hear certain lines or lyrics. That said, the cast’s projection was strong overall, and the decision to focus on inclusivity remains an admirable one.
In summary, Nativity! The Musical was a triumph. It had me laughing, crying, and leaving the theatre feeling a thousand times better than when I arrived—and isn’t that exactly how theatre should make you feel? Bravo to the entire cast and crew for delivering such a joyous and heartwarming experience.
Natalie Hills
District 10 NODA East
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved
