It’s got sing-a-long hits including Sparkle and She’s the Brightest Star and it’ll make you feel warm inside - and not just from laughing.

Nativity! The Musical comes to Canterbury, bringing the much-loved festive movie to the stage in time to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The pupils of St Bernadette’s School stop off on their first tour, coming to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this week.

Writer and director Debbie Isitt said of the show: “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.”

“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.”

She added of the adaptation: “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.”

DETAILS

Nativity! The Musical will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Wednesday, November 13 to Sunday, November 17. To book tickets go to marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

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