Following their rehearsal (which you can read about here), Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) have once more hit the stage and are dazzling audiences with their production of Nativity! The Musical.

Based on the movie beloved by many, it may be argued BATS had a lot of pressure with this show, but they needn’t have worried as once again they put on a show sure to leave people smiling and dancing in their seats throughout, and I would find it a challenge for anyone to not feel Christmassy afterwards.

Directed by Carly Thompson and choreographed by Leigh Young, the show comes complete with pointed shoes, jazz bands and big beaming smiles from everyone on stage. It’s clear a lot of time, effort and dedication has gone into making this show audience ready; needless to say, all this hard work has paid off and everyone on and off stage who helped make it happen should be really very proud of themselves.

Nativity! The Musical comes with glitter and lights and a band led by Simon Eastwood that joyously fills the whole auditorium. Whilst costumes and set and lights aren’t necessarily crucial for a show and of course, the main element is about the story, for Nativity! The Musical these all help to really bring everything together for the finished piece. From the costumes of the school Nativity to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, BATS have got it all covered.

Taking on the iconic roles from the movie, the entire cast do themselves proud. Alex Stores, Anna Neary and Harrison Crangle as Mrs Bevan, Jennifer Lore and Gordon Shakespeare are all absolutely brilliant. The musical adds more depth to the movie, only making the characters that much more entertaining, and Stores, Neary and Crangle do a fantastic job at bringing these characters to life on stage. Their performances clearly showcase their characters’ eagerness – be that for the shared goal of St Bernadette’s getting the Hollywood-worthy Nativity they deserve, or for simply being better than everyone else (yes, Mr Shakespeare, that would be you), and quickly win everyone over onto their sides. Whilst it is easy to warm to Mrs Bevan and Jennifer, who are rooting for the kids, it’s a bit more complicated when it comes to Mr Shakaespre. However, even in his case, it’s impossible to dislike his character because Crangle has brought so much personality and fun to the role that you can’t help but laugh and love him whenever he’s on stage!

Rounding off the adult cast is of course Craig Saunders as Paul Maddens and Adrian Nortier as Mr Poppy. Saunders and Neary have a wonderful chemistry together as Paul and Jennifer, the pair easily selling their relationship (and broken hearts) to the audience. Nativity! The Musical is a mostly cheerful show, but their touching performances of ‘Wrapped in a Rainbow’ and ‘Suddenly’ – both of which are songs from the stage show as opposed to the film, brought moments of vulnerable emotion to the stage and added depth to the characters’ relationship, only making audiences want a happy ending for them more. 

Whilst Mr Maddens and Jennifer’s relationship was touching to watch, the pairing of Saunders and Nortier was even more affecting. Whilst Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy have a rocky start to their friendship, the way Saunders and Nortier portrayed this made every scene they had together absolutely hilarious. The contrast between the two was starkly obvious; Saunders’ anxiety as Mr Maddens was palpable (someone really needs to make that man sit down and have a cup of tea), as was his affection for the children, albeit hidden under many, many layers of stress and a smidgen of a wounded heart. On the flip side, Nortier’s energy as Mr Poppy was both infectious and off the charts. The two bounced off each other remarkably well and every scene they had together was highly entertaining, to say the least. Something I particularly noticed with the two is when they were on stage – be that together or separately – even when they were not the main focus of a scene, it was great fun watching them react to what was happening. Saunders and Nortier’s characterisation was brilliant in every sense of the word. They have both completely perfected bringing these iconic beloved characters to the stage and doing them justice, whilst still making the roles their own. The transition from Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy being reluctant colleagues to firm friends was endearing to watch and fantastically carried out.

Whilst these performers all deserve the praise they’re rightfully receiving, there is one more group of performers who need celebrating…the children themselves. At one point in the show, Mrs Bevan says something along the lines of “each child is a little pocket of stardust” – and she is absolutely right. The children’s enthusiasm and energy throughout Nativity! The Musical is apparent from start to finish – they radiated joy in the number ‘Sparkle and Shine’. Putting on a show is no small feat, yet these children took it all in their stride. Not only do they manage to do a stellar job at being marvellously talented, but instead of the show being slightly rough around the edges as one would expect from a school play…there was never once a step out of line. Every single one of their performances was more than heartwarming; a special mention does need to be made regarding their rendition of the song ‘One Night, One Moment’ at the near end of the show, as it caused more than a few audience members to even tear up! (Yes, me included)

Now I cannot write this review without discussing BATS for leading by example in terms of their accessibility. The very first show of this run of Nativity The Musical was in fact a relaxed performance. I have been very vocal on this website, on social media…and in person in all honesty, about accessibility in all areas of life, but especially in theatre. This stems from my own experiences with my brother, and taking my brother to the theatre is something I love to do, for how happy it makes him. So for an amateur dramatic theatre company to make sure this run had a relaxed performance was an incredible example that whilst it may not be easy to do, it is not impossible and it is so very important.

Throughout the show, the doors were left open for people to come and go as needed, the lights were dimmed but left on, the noise levels were reduced, there was a BSL signer throughout the whole show, they had the president on stage to make a speech with the cast before the show discussing elements of the performance…and there was a very happy audience of people who benefitted hugely from the relaxed performance. It brought tears to my eyes to see my brother able to unashamedly enjoy himself, laugh and dance and have a terrific night out at the theatre, and it made my heart so full to see so many other people have that same chance and enjoy themselves wholeheartedly too. The atmosphere was so special and I praise BATS for not having accessibility be an afterthought, but something they had planned for this show from the get-go. I cannot speak for all people as to whether it was a perfect relaxed performance, but I can speak from my own lived experience and what I saw in the auditorium that it was a roaring success. And given that BATS are amateur dramatics and can include accessibility in their plans for their shows, I think that’s something truly commendable in its own right.

BATS may be an amateur dramatic company, but there is nothing amateur about the spirit and attention they put into each of their shows, and this one is no different. A perfect way to escape life for a few hours for wonderful Christmas fun, with Nativity! The Musical, BATS are bringing the sparkly, shining magic to Basingstoke. Not only are they making everyone welcome, but Nativity The Musical is also sure to make everyone’s hearts feel even just a little bit lighter. And what could be better than that?

Leyla Demirel