The film Nativity! is essential viewing for many families at Christmas, and this musical stage adaptation opens at Titchfield Festival Theatre on 5 January 2024.

Join Mr Maddens and his energetic sidekick Mr Poppy along with the children of St Bernadettes in their quest to create the most spectacular nativity play ever seen. Based on the film, with stunning sets, dazzling choreography, and a generous dose of humour, Nativity! The Musical is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.

Sassy Harvey is directing Nativity! The Musical and in between rehearsals she spoke to Simon Frost:  

Simon: Why has TFT chosen Nativity! The Musical as its first show of the new year?

Sassy: Nativity! is one of my favourite Christmas films. When my son Jaidan was little, we would watch this film over and over again and laugh so much. It brings such a warmth of memories back to me. Therefore, it felt the perfect opportunity to choose Nativity! the musical to be a show in our winter programming. It is such a fun show with all the favourite songs: Sparkle & Shine, Good News, One Night One moment that you know and love from the film. All the much-loved characters are still there as it follows the same story as the film does. 

Simon: What are you most looking forward to?

Sassy: Watching the children perform! We have over 50 children in this show between two casts and it has been so much fun to work alongside the young talent to bring the Nativity! to life. They truly make this a special show as you watch their characters come together to put on the Nativity. The endless talent the children have has been a joy to watch; they are flourishing in rehearsals and I know that the audiences will feel just as proud as I do when they watch the show.

Simon: Will TFT’s production be the original script or have you adapted it? The original story is set in a Coventry primary school. Are you going to set it locally?

Sassy: It is following the exact script of the musical and therefore the setting is in Coventry. With Nativity! the film being such a favourite, it didn't feel right to adapt it as it works exactly as it is and as everyone remembers it to be. The characters Mr Gordon Shakespeare, Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy are such larger than life characters that we all know; our actors have worked really hard to bring their same magic and fondness to them. I spend every rehearsal smiling and laughing as the script has honoured so much of the film and the performers delivery is spot on.

Simon: The show information promises stunning sets, dazzling choreography, and a generous dose of humour... please tell me a little more….

Sassy: This show is being performed in our brand new Arden Theatre using the new video wall as a key feature within our set. Being able to use video animation in our show has been an exciting challenge for our technical team and the production team is excited to show off what we are able to achieve as a crew. As with every show, I am honoured as a director to have such a supportive production team working alongside me; they really have taken the ideas and visions I have for this show and made it a reality.

Many of the production team are made up of our TFT Associates who volunteer their time to be part of the show and therefore it is such an honour that they choose to work alongside me for shows like this one. It is an exciting project to be a part of and one that will always remain one of my favourites I've worked on here at TFT. 

Simon: Final question! Why should people come to watch the show?

Sassy: If you are looking for a great family feel good show then this is the one for you! It will be a great Christmas gift for all ages and the show is guaranteed to leave you smiling from head to toe with that positive feel good factor. You will not want to miss this one and tickets are from just £10!

Nativity! The Musical performs from 5 - 13 January 2024 in the Arden Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield. For more information including booking tickets please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/  or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.