Kids steal the limelight in a night of magic

Nativity! The Musical, Belgrade Theatre, to October 28.

Wow, Wow, and WOW again. What a fantastic night. It’s the best show I’ve seen in a long time and well worth the money. Great family entertainment - funny, fast and furious. I’d never seen a Nativity film or musical before and was not sure what to expect. I took along my 16-year-old granddaughter who was a big fan - and were we in for a treat! We never stopped laughing from start to finish. Simon Lipkin as Mr Poppy, a teacher’s assistant, was a joy to watch. He had everyone in the audience laughing out loud and his interactions with the children were hilarious. Scott Garnham, as primary school teacher Mr Maddens, played his part to perfection. The rest of the adult cast were superb. Actors say never work with children or animals, but this production works fantastically well. Cracker the dog, a well behaved bundle of fur, brought lots of oohs and aaahs from the audience, but the biggest stars were the children. They were all outstanding, funny and so professional - from Joseph and Mary, to the five wise men of St Bernadette’s school, and the pupils of rival Oakmoor school, they spoke out loud and clear, and the singing and acting was brilliant.

But for us, the one boy who really stole the show was the middle singer in a group of five, singing their hearts out towards the end. His trousers fell down but like a true performer he pulled them up, held on tight with one hand, and carried on with the show.

The audience and cast members loved it and my granddaughter whispered: "They should keep that bit in, Nan!" Huge congratulations to all the actors, and to the Belgrade for amazing stage sets and lighting. We left buzzing. It was a true pocket of stardust.

Tickets from: http://www.belgrade.co.uk