‘This show will bring you joy’
The Christmas countdown is on as Nativity! The Musical arrives in Cardiff. We speak to writer and director Debbie Isitt about bringing the much-loved movie to the stage
Q: For anyone who hasn’t seen the hit Christmas film, what is Nativity! The Musical about?
A: It’s a classic story about a group of underdog kids in a challenging primary school trying to put on the best nativity play they can.
Essentially, it’s about their teacher Mr Maddens, who hates Christmas because his girlfriend left him at Christmas time.
He has lost his belief in himself and the children, and he’s really down about everything, until a mad classroom assistant comes into their lives.
Q: Where did the idea come from?
A: I really wanted to do something about the school nativity because it’s been such a massive part of my life.
When I was little it was the biggest deal in the world; to play Mary was everything.
My sisters and I all played Mary, but only because my Mum was a hairdresser and she used to do all the teachers’ hair and they wanted to keep on her good side.
When it was my daughter’s turn, I hung back and watched the stress and chaos as the teachers put together the play.
It was the highlight of my year to watch my daughter in the school nativity – no matter what part she played.
You could always rely on the children being funny and spontaneous.
It’s such a big tradition that I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been turned into something dramatic or comedic because it’s such fertile ground for drama and comedy.
Q: Why did you choose to turn the hit movie into a stage musical?
A: I trained as an actor, and when I left drama school I was convinced I was going to do musicals, but I never did.
The film is about a group of kids putting on a show – there’s even a musical within the film – so it lends itself to theatrical adaptation.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore the characters more.
I wanted to try and create a fun, funny, moving theatrical experience and – alongside my co-composer Nicky Ager – I wanted to mine the depths of the characters with some brilliant songs.
Q: How challenging was it to reinvent the show for the stage?
A: I’m a deeply collaborative writer and director, and I always have actors improvising.
Even though the characters were established by the film and the story hasn’t changed, the musical’s cast has got to make it their own by improvising during rehearsals.
The story stays the same, but they bring so much more to it.
The real challenge was balancing giving fans of the film the story that they love, but also allowing us room to experiment, explore new ideas and allow these actors to step into those shoes and make them their own.
Q: How important are touring productions?
A: Up and down the country people want and need good theatre.
It’s our duty and responsibility to try and provide it for them.
I absolutely and wholeheartedly believe in regional theatre and touring theatre is in my blood.
To be able to take it up and down the country is fantastic.
Q: The musical is now in its third year, why do you think it is so successful?
A: From a small child, I’ve believed in Christmas being the most special time of year.
The music that you suddenly hear all around you; the tingle down your spine when you think about the joy that people give to each other at that time of year.
The idea of it being a time of good will is important because we live in tough times.
I think people want to be uplifted at Christmas and this show has brought so much joy to families all across the UK over the last two years which is central to its success.
We are so thrilled to bring the warmth and hilarity of Nativity back for a third year and delighted to share our wonderful show with more families.
Nativity! The Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from Tuesday, November 19, to Saturday, November 23. Call 029 2063 6464.