PICK Me Up Theatre have revealed the full cast for Nativity! The Musical in the return of the York company’s hit show from two years ago at the Grand Opera House, York, from Friday.
Adam Sowter, of musical duo Fladam, will assistant Mr Poppy alongside Alex Hogg as teacher Mr Maddens, Alexandra Mather as Jennifer Lore, Jonny Holbek as Mr Shakespeare and James Willstrop as the acid-tongued Critic and Hollywood Producer.
They will be joined by David Todd as Lord Mayor, Alison Taylor as headmistress Mrs Bevan, Victoria Lightfoot as TJ’s Mum and Cracker the dog as Branwell.
Forty-eight children chosen from across Yorkshire will play the students of rival schools St. Bernadette’s and Oakmoor Prep.
Adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, creator of the 2009 to 2018 film franchise (Nativity!, Nativity 2!, Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s The Donkey?! and Nativity Rocks!), the musical follows St Bernadette’s Primary School, where teacher Mr Maddens and his assistant, Mr Poppy, attempt to mount a musical version of the Nativity.
What could possibly go wrong when they promise it will be adapted into a Hollywood movie in order to outdo rival school Oakmoor Prep?
The show features songs from the first film, such as Sparkle And Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She’s The Brightest Star. The book, music and lyrics are by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager; orchestrations are by George Dyer.
Pick Me Up’s revival is directed and choreographed by Lesley Lettin, joined in the production team by musical director Adam Tomlinson and producer Robert Readman.
Pick Me Up Theatre in Nativity! The Musical, Grand Opera House, York, November 22 to 30. Performances: 7.30pm nightly, except November 25; 2.30pm, November 23, 24 and 30. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
