Nativity the Musical
DEC 2023
Directed by: Beckie Clark
Choreography: Lauren Friday
Musical Direction: Ed Greenhalgh
Traveling down to Ramsgate, I was wondering to myself, is Nativity classed as a Pantomime or a Christmas Musical? I was pleasantly surprised, and still am. Take a very old story and you have a solid plan for success. Act 1 certainly have a success on their hands…..I loved it!!!
Beckie Clark as Director, Ed Greenhalgh as Musical Director and Lauren Friday as Chorographer gave us a well-rounded Nativity. Clever set and props, all adequate for this Nativity, well done to you for giving your audiences a splendid afternoon’s entertainment.
Ben Clark took the Lead role (Desmond Poppy). Ben worked his audience with professionalism - what a role for Ben! James Smith (Paul Maddens) this man has a talent for acting, I found him so natural in this role. Lauren Friday (Jennifer Lore) - what a splendid voice and stage presence she has, this part fitted Lauren to a ‘T’.
Along with supporting roles, Reuben Thorpe (Gordon Shakespeare) with his over the top and camp characterisation of Gordon the baddie. Reuben was joined with a great supporting group of actors and singers, including James Coare, Bernii Gibson, Richard Adams, Alice Jewell, Charlie Steff, and Phillip Halpin. Put them altogether with a group of young talent all 16 of them (Team Shine) and you can’t really go wrong. It’s good to see so much up and coming young talent on stage. I feel sure that Team Sparkle were just as talented of course, I only saw Team Shine.
Set, Lighting and sound were spot on, this Nativity moved swiftly by the stage crew. Just one little gripe, some of the personal mics were not cued quick enough, missing perhaps the first of the actor’s lines. Other than that, what a splendid show you gave us Act 1.
Thank you for a great afternoon at the newly furbished Granville Theatre, Beckie you should proud, as I’m sure you are of your cast.
Gordon Harris
NODA SE | District 5
