Debbie Isitt's comedy film Nativity! was an instant hit when it premiered in 2009. Sequels and staged versions of the Christmas story have since secured it a spot as a festive favourite. 

Now it's Warwick's Bridge House Theatre's turn to add some sparkle and shine to the season with its version featuring professional actors, a community cast and children from 39 local schools. 

The story, which is set ten miles up the road in Coventry, follows the trials and tribulations of primary school teacher Mr Maddens (George Attwell Gerhards). Maddens is heartbroken after his girlfriend Jennifer (Natalie Turner) left him at Christmas five years ago to pursue her Hollywood dreams. Worst of all his drama school nemesis Mr Shakespeare (Matthew James Hinchliffe) has won five star reviews for the nearby 'posh' prep school’s Nativity from the local critic (Anne McCall). Mr Maddens’ last Nativity got minus two stars, leaving him a proper Grinch.

Into the mix bounces the irrepressible Mr. Poppy (Aidan Cutler) who loves Christmas, and quickly decides that this year's Nativity will be the best ever - it’s going to be a musical! The stage is set for holiday hijinx, misunderstandings, and ambitious numbers - performed in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, of course…

While the professional cast do a grand job maintaining the energy of this slightly farcical plot, the play’s real success lies with the children’s performances. The characters are ordinary kids excited about performing in the show - just like the cast. In combination with the adult community cast elevating the production, this means the whole performance feels like a celebration of local talent.

The company is split into three, with community cast members changing show to show. There are over sixty children on stage across the run - rehearsals must have been no mean feat. Director Mike Perry worked in tandem with Imogen Tong as Young Company Director, and Kath Waters’ choreography strikes a great balance working at a level appropriate to the young performers, while remaining visually engaging.

The show’s production values across the board are of a high quality. The set is gorgeous, the music (under Felix Sürbe’s direction) is catchy and upbeat, and Alexander Kaniewski’s costume design is excellent - just wait for the chorus of shining stars in the big finale.

The production doesn’t quite fulfil Mr Maddens’ five star dreams but it’s good fun, and something a bit different to bring plenty of sparkle and shine to the festive season.

Reviewed by Jessica Clixby at Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School where The Nativity! continues to delight until Thursday 28 December.