Nativity! The Musical Review, Nov 2024 - Basingstoke Gazette

A nativity like you've never seen before; actors from Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) dazzle in a heartwarming and festive musical.

Actors from the group, which has performed a range of shows including cult favourites Shrek, Sister Act, and Elf - The Musical, left the audience with a heart full of Christmas cheer long after the curtain dropped.

The musical adaptation of the hit 2009 film, Nativity, follows primary school teacher Mr Maddens, who is left hating Christmas after his girlfriend left him to pursue her Hollywood dreams during the holiday period.

The grumpy but lovable teacher is forced to put on a school nativity, and in trying to impress a teacher from a rival school, falsely claims that producers from Tinseltown are travelling to see the show.

What ensues is an enjoyable saga of events featuring a love story that everyone in the audience was rooting for, rapping, lots of singing and jokes that left musical goers clutching their sides.

Adrien Nortier plays Mr Poppy, transporting the audience into St Bernadettes Primary, in Coventry, bringing joy, laughter, passion and raising questions about whether he had been plucked straight from the film's set.

Craig Saunders convincingly portrays Mr Maddens, producing a tear-jerking scene when he reads out the student's letters to Father Christmas as he learns to believe in his pupils.

His rival, the over-the-top and dramatic Gordon Shakespeare is played by Harrison Crangle, who injects the same fear into the audience as his students, a character we all love to hate.

Anna Neary plays the ex-girlfriend who broke Mr Maddens' heart, Jennifer Lore, in a way that you can't help but root for her whilst Alex Stores portrays headteacher Mrs Bevan, and a tap-dancing reindeer, delivering every line with passion.

The cast is rounded out with a number of adult performers, including Owen White who plays critic Patrick Burns, bringing laughs with every line, as well as Lucy Tipp as Miss Rye, the teacher who just can't help but spread gossip.

The students of St. Bernadette's, played by Team Shine at the performance on Tuesday, November 26, brought childlike wonder and heart to the stage, whilst the students of Oakmoor Prep kept reminding us that they are better than we are.

The cast of BATS is also committed to ensuring their productions are inclusive for all, holding a relaxed charity performance on Tuesday, November 26 with dimmed lights, noise and actor introductions before the show.

Lola Crossman
Basingstoke Gazette

Relaxed performance of Nativity the Musical held at theatre - Basingstoke Gazette

Residents with additional needs who may usually avoid visiting the theatre were treated to an inclusive performance of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society's newest show. A relaxed performance of the amateur dramatics group's show, Nativity the Musical, was held at the Haymarket on Tuesday, November 26.

Alterations were made to the performance to ensure that neurodiverse children, adults and their families could enjoy the show.

These included BATS President, Richard Bond, coming on stage and introducing each actor and the character they were playing.

BATS President Richard Bond with the Cast of Nativity!
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

Mr Bond also warned audience members about any startling noises or effects in the show, in addition to the lighting in the theatre remaining on, although dimmed, throughout the performance.

Sponsored by coffee company Lavazza, the show marked the society's second relaxed performance after the success of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2023, in the group's 60-year history. 

Craig Saunders (Mr. Maddens) and Adrien Nortier (Mr. Poppy)
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

To make the performance possible, the society raised money from corporate sponsors, local councillors and community grant funding in addition to taking on a fundraising activity titled the 'Christmas Cycle Challenge'.

Cast members rode an exercise bike for six hours dressed as Father Christmas, elves, reindeer and more, raising £595, enabling the performance to go ahead.

In addition to changes being made to the show, BATS gave free tickets to special educational needs schools in the area, charity and community organisations to make the performance accessible.

Richard Bond explained to the Gazette that a night at the theatre is 'something a lot of us take for granted', adding: "For those of us with additional needs, finding accessible shows can be a big challenge.

"We are thrilled to be in a position to welcome audiences with additional needs to our production of Nativity the Musical, to experience the enjoyment that live theatre brings.

"This has all been made possible thanks to our kind corporate sponsor; Lavazza Professional UK, community grant funding; Greenham Trust and Hampshire County Councillor community grants, plus support from Team Communications Ltd (BSL interpretation), The MPC Ltd, Music Theatre International, Anvil Arts and our team of SEND experts and BATS volunteers.

"All of which, made it possible for us to stage this wonderful, uplifting and inclusive community engagement event."

Lola Crossman
Basingstoke Gazette

Nativity! The Musical Review, Nov 2024 - National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

SET: The stage, covering various locations: classroom, playground, Hollywood studio, Mr Madden’s home, the Lord Mayor’s ballroom was created by furniture and props and enhanced with a changing screen. There was minimal disruption during the scene changes. The props were excellent such as a box also being used as the Head’s desk. There were numerous smaller props that enhanced the action: the various planets, stars, feather fans.

COSTUMES: The costumes were fantastic with many changes. These ranged from reindeers to the traditional Joseph, Mary and the three kings. There were school uniforms, ballgowns and evening suits, the Mayor’s regalia and critic’s posh coat and scarf. My personal favourite was the Christmas tree!

THE PRODUCTION: From the opening number this show was full of sparkle and shine. Every moment was filled with joy and energy. Although this was a ‘happy’ show, there was also a serious and thought-provoking thread; the shallowness of the bright lights of Hollywood. This show had it all: bright, vibrant costumes, thrilling choreography, solo numbers as well as massive group numbers and heaps of laughs. With direction by Carly Thompson, choreography by Leigh Young and with musical direction by Simon Eastwood, this was a special production and a very special evening for all those present. 

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

Director, Carly Thompson Makes her BATS Christmas Debut

It's been Christmas since July, as we’ve been busy rehearsing Nativity! the Musical, coming to the Haymarket in November, under the guidance of a brand new director, Carly Thompson.

"I love Christmas, and I love working with children, so this is the perfect show for me!" says Carly.

Based on the hit film, Nativity! follows the pupils and teachers at St. Bernadette’s Primary School as they stage their very own musical Nativity, with plenty of hilarity along the way.

Director, Carly Thomson makes her BATS debut with Nativity! The Musical

"It's a beautiful story - wondrous, heartfelt and moving, with fantastic singing and dancing. Every night you'll see our cast of 20 children and 18 adults all fully embracing the festive spirit."

Carly comes to BATS with extensive experience of performing and directing at Oxted in Surrey. Not long after moving to Newbury to 2018, a tumour was found in Carly's spine.

"It was removed safely but there was still a risk of paralysis," she says. "So it took me a couple of years to get involved in theatre again. Then I saw the ad looking for a director for Nativity, and here I am!"

"BATS is a lovely welcoming group, and there's so much talent in the company, it was very hard to choose at the auditions. But now we're well into rehearsals and they're full of laughter, fun and hard work of course!"

The presence of 40 children in the rehearsal room (forming two alternate casts of 20) brings a real energy to proceedings.

"To have the energy and wonder from the kids is a real boost to the adult cast who might arrive stressed from work," laughs Carly, "and of course the discipline of the adults can help manage the exuberance of the small people!"

"It's going to be an experience they'll always remember."

Nativity! the Musical runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26th-30th November 2024. View show information and book tickets.

Adrien Embraces his Crazy and Childish Side as Mr. Poppy

"He's wild, childish and fabulous!"

Adrien Nortier is talking about Mr. Poppy, the teaching assistant he plays in Nativity! The Musical. If you've seen the film you'll know he's one of the most memorable characters in the feelgood family comedy.

"The way he sees the world through the eyes of a child is so refreshing." says Adrien. "Everything makes sense in his head but it can come across as complete nonsense!"

Adrien as Mr Poppy - Performing at the Basingstoke Variety Show, 6 October 2024

Mr. Poppy is Adrien's first main leading role for BATS. He joined the Society 15 years ago after growing up in France. That meant he wasn't familiar with some of the cultural references in Nativity! The Musical. Such as?

"I had to ask who Keith Chegwin was, he wasn't part of my upbringing!"

The kids of St Bernadette's school love Mr. Poppy's unusual ways. But they infuriate grumpy teacher Mr. Maddens, who's been tasked with staging the school's first ever musical nativity.

"Mr. Poppy is the nephew of the headteacher and he's sort of thrown at Mr. Maddens, who feels like he's got another child to look after. But then they become friends and Mr. Poppy makes him realise he can open his heart and have faith in the children."

The perfect message for Christmas then! But what's it been like rehearsing a Christmas show in the height of summer? "A bit surreal, even disturbing at times," laughs Adrien, "But now the nights have drawn in and it's feeling colder, it's a lot easier to conjure up the festive spirit!"

Two teams of twenty children play the loveable pupils of St Bernadette's. "Working with the kids is so much fun. It's lovely watching them do what they do. They're oblivious to how good they actually are. They just make me want to work really hard so I don't let them down."

So - the big question - is Adrien anything like Mr. Poppy? "No! I think I'm quite collected and grown up, not crazy at all! Mr. Poppy is ‘up’ all the time - there's no ‘down’ button! But I'm really enjoying playing this part that is the complete opposite to me!"

Join Adrien and the cast of Nativity! The Musical at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26-30 November 2024. View show information and book tickets.