REVIEW: Nativity! The Musical at the Birmingham Rep

Nativity! The Musical is back once more for the festive period and this year is gracing its presence in the second city, at the Birmingham Rep. An utterly joyous, thrilling and camp as Christmas production that excels in every way.

Based on Debbie Isitt’s 2009 hit Christmas film of the same name, the story follows the saga of St Bernadette’s primary school and their attempt to stage a 5-star Christmas show. Historically bad at directing the production, school teacher Mr Maddens – who hates the festive period, is forced to lead the nativity once more. When his foolhardy new teaching assistant Mr Poppy, overhears him fibbing to his friend-turned-professional enemy about Hollywood coming to watch the show, he can’t contain his excitement and soon the school, press, mayor and entire city of Coventry believe St Bernadette’s little Nativity will be made into a Hollywood blockbuster.

INTERVIEW: Daniel Boys, currently starring in Nativity the Musical at London's Eventim Apollo

Daniel is currently playing Paul Maddens in the Musical adaptation of Nativity, the part made famous by Martin Freeman. His other credits include The Boys in the Band (Park Theatre/National Tour and transfer to Vaudeville Theatre), Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre),  Spamalot (Playhouse), Avenue Q (Gielgud / Noel Coward),  Grease (Victoria Palace), RENT (Prince of Wales & National Tour), Sweeney Todd (Royal Festival Hall), Ordinary Days (Trafalgar Studios) and Wolfboy (Trafalgar Studios). He took some time out of his run at the London Eventim Apollo to chat to us. 

Your list of credits is extensive, but what have been a few highlights for you? 

I guess firstly playing Tony in West Side Story on the European tour in I think 2005. It was always one of my dream roles as I think it’s the most perfect, beautiful musical and touring round Europe was a highlight as I saw some wonderful places. Avenue Q which I did for two and a half years in the West End was very special. Earlier this year I got to be in The Boys In The Band which was a very special job as it was my first play, a brilliant play, and a wonderful cast led by the brilliant Mark Gatiss and I loved meeting him and his wonderful husband Ian. 

You’ve worked with fellow cast member Simon Lipkin before, how is it working with him again? 

Simon is brilliant, he’s a tour de force really and he’s perfect for this part of Mr Poppy. He’s just a wonderful actor to act opposite and as this show is predominantly improvised his improvisational skills are impressive and almost intimidating! 

INTERVIEW: Simon Lipkin, currently starring in Nativity the Musical at London's Eventim Apollo

Simon is currently playing Mr Poppy in the new musical adaptation of the hit film Nativity, a part that Marc Wootton played in the film. His other credits include Rat in The Wind In The Willows (Palladium, West End), Sheriff in Whisper House (Other Palace), Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (West End), Lou Lubowitz in Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre), The Lorax in The Lorax (Old Vic Theatre), The Proprietor in Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Barlow in I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Lonny in Rock Of Ages (Original West End Cast), Galahad in Spamalot (Original UK and International Tour), Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q(Original West End Cast), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Arts Theatre, London), The Wedding Singer (Original UK Cast) and Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End). He took some time out of his run at the London Eventim Apollo to chat to us. 

You really are someone who seems to go from job to job, your list of credits are crazy! What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

There have been some amazing moments, and I will always count myself as very lucky. Avenue Q was incredible and it was my first leading role, but there has also been some other brilliant stuff – Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory will always be a special one. There’s been a lot and they’re all very cool and special in their own ways. 

You’re pretty fresh from playing Rat in the London Palladium production of The Wind in the Willows, how was it performing in your third show at the Palladium?

The Palladium is a really cool theatre. It’s one of those where the history is undeniable and a lot of the people I respect and have grown up watching have performed on that stage. When I was 11 years old I used to go to a Saturday stage school and we all did a big show at the Palladium and I sang ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ on the stage at the Palladium when I was about 11 years old so technically it was my fourth time performing there with Wind in the Willows!