How does Nativity! The Musical differs from the original film?

While the musical stays true to the heartwarming spirit of the 2009 film, it expands on character development, adds brand-new songs, and features more elaborate group scenes designed specifically for stage spectacle.

Why are there multiple versions of the script?

The script has been adjusted over the years to accommodate celebrity guest stars, expanding or modifying roles such as the Hollywood Producer, Polly Parker, and Crystal Collins to allow flexible casting.

Which celebrity appearances stood out most during the UK tours?

Standout guest appearances included Louis Walsh in London, Danny Dyer as the Hollywood Producer, and Sharon Osbourne as Crystal Collins during the 2019 London run.

How important is Coventry to the story of Nativity! The Musical?

Coventry isn't just a backdrop — it's a symbol of humble, hardworking British spirit, lovingly portrayed throughout the dialogue and songs.

Are the musical numbers identical between tours and revivals?

Core numbers remain, but minor changes in arrangements, lyrics, and even song order were made between productions, notably the addition of 'Hollywood Never Came' in 2022.

Is there an official recording of the live show available?

There is a cast album from 2018, but a filmed version of the live stage performance has not been officially released.

How is Mr Poppy’s role portrayed differently by various actors?

Simon Lipkin's Mr Poppy is childlike but cunning, while Scott Paige portrayed a softer, more emotional version of the character.

What makes Nativity! The Musical so popular with amateur groups?

Its ensemble scenes, flexible scripts, and heartwarming story make it ideal for amateur and school productions.

Nativity! Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical ⭐

Nativity! Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Nativity! Lyrics: Song List

Act I
Overture
M.A.D.A - Here Comes Santa Claus / Going For The Big Time
And that's exactly what he did
Review
Five Star Review / Better Than You
St Bernadette's
My Very First Day At School
Wrapped In A Rainbow
Hollywood Are Coming
Our School Nativity
The Lord Mayor's Ball
Dear Father Christmas
Hollywood We're Coming / Sparkle and Shine
Act II
Ent'racte to Hollywood (Instrumental)
Welcome To Hollywood
Jennifer's Request
Dear Father Christmas (Reprise) / My Very Last Day at School
Herod The Rock Opera
Suddenly
Our School Nativity (Reprise)
Backstage
Nazareth
One Look
Good News
Hollywood Never Came (2022 production only)
Sparkle And Shine
She's The Brightest Star
Suddenly (Reprise)
One Night, One Moment
Sparkle And Shine
Bows / Exit Music (Instrumental)

About the "Nativity!" Stage Show

Plot Summary of Nativity!

Read Nativity! Movie (2009) lyrics here.

Cast of Nativity! The Musical, Nativity! The Musical lyrics — Cast of Nativity! The Musical singing the 'Nativity! The Musical' in the music video.

Exploration of Nativity! The Musical lyrics:

Context of Nativity! The Musical:
Adapted from the 2009 British Christmas film Nativity!, this heartwarming musical by Debbie Isitt (co-composed by Nicky Ager) captures the festive spirit of primary school nativity plays. The lyrics are integral in showcasing the humor, charm, and heartfelt emotion of the story.

Key Songs and Lyrics Highlights:

Performance of 'Nativity! The Musical' by Cast of Nativity! The Musical in the music video.
- "Sparkle and Shine":
  This upbeat number is iconic within the musical, emphasizing themes of hope and self-expression. Its infectious chorus—“Sparkle and shine, tomorrow’s nearly here!”—motivates the young performers to believe in themselves, setting the tone for the production.
- "One Night, One Moment":
  A soaring ballad that captures the poignant heart of the musical. The lyrics—“One night, one moment, everything changes!”—speak to the transformative power of taking chances and the magic of the Christmas season.
- "Hollywood Ending":
  This playful tune mocks grandiose expectations versus reality. Lyrics like “Not every story has a Hollywood ending!” add a touch of humor and realism while celebrating life’s imperfections.

Themes in the Lyrics:

Screenshot from the 'Nativity! The Musical' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.
- Childlike Wonder: The lyrics emphasize the innocence and creativity of children. It's often reflecting their boundless imagination and joy.
- Dreams and Aspirations: Songs like "Hollywood Ending" and "One Night, One Moment" encourage audiences to embrace dreams while valuing genuine connections.
- Festive Joy: The lyrics throughout the musical are infused with the essence of Christmas, bringing a celebratory and uplifting mood.

Lyrical Style:
The lyrics in Nativity! The Musical are simple yet impactful, blending humor, sincerity, and a touch of whimsy. They are crafted to resonate with both children and adults, ensuring that the show appeals to a wide audience.

Story

Scene from Nativity! The Musical track by Cast of Nativity! The Musical — Visual effects scene from 'Nativity! The Musical' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.

Set against the backdrop of the lively city of Coventry, "Nativity! The Musical" invites audiences into the world of St. Bernadette’s Primary School. The story follows Paul Maddens, a dispirited teacher reluctantly tasked with directing the school’s Christmas nativity play. For Paul, it’s not just another duty - it’s a painful reminder of his former love, Jennifer Lore, who left for Hollywood to chase her dreams.
Paul’s predicament intensifies when he crosses paths with Gordon Shakespeare, a rival teacher from the prestigious Oakmoor School. Known for their polished and extravagant productions, Oakmoor’s plays starkly contrast with the chaotic charm of St. Bernadette’s efforts. Determined to outshine Gordon, Paul makes an impulsive claim: his ex-girlfriend Jennifer, now a successful Hollywood producer, will be filming their nativity as part of a grand movie project. What starts as a small fib snowballs into a full-blown sensation, capturing the imagination of the entire town and inflating expectations.

Amid this chaos, Paul gains an unexpected ally in Mr. Poppy, a vivacious and eccentric teaching assistant. Though untrained, Mr. Poppy’s infectious enthusiasm and limitless creativity inject new life into the production. Together, they encourage the students to embrace their unique talents, creating a play as vibrant and unconventional as the team behind it.

As rehearsals unfold, the story beautifully explores themes of hope, second chances, and the Christmas spirit. Paul wrestles with the consequences of his fabricated Hollywood story while reconnecting with Jennifer, rekindling old feelings and rediscovering his own passion for teaching. Under Mr. Poppy’s delightful and offbeat leadership, the children flourish, crafting a nativity filled with humor, heart, and originality.

The grand performance is a highlight, blending touching moments with laugh-out-loud hilarity. While the Hollywood producer may not make an appearance, the real triumph lies in the joy, unity, and confidence the experience brings to everyone involved. The musical concludes with a heartfelt celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring wonder of the festive season.

Release date: 2009
Last Update: April, 28th 2025

Production History: Nativity! The Musical.

New Cast Highlights and Exciting Developments (2023–2025).

Following the success of the 2022 Birmingham revival, Nativity! The Musical returned for the 2023 holiday season. This time, it brought an even brighter sparkle to the Repertory Theatre stage, running from 18 November 2023 to 6 January 2024. Scott Paige once again slipped into the lovable chaos of Mr. Poppy. Fans rejoiced. Paige’s comic timing and infectious energy lit up every performance, making audiences weep with laughter. "You could feel the warmth from the stalls to the balcony," one reviewer noted. Joining him was Ryan Heenan as Mr. Maddens. His earnest portrayal of the weary but passionate teacher injected new heart into the story. Daisy Steere returned as Jennifer Lore, her vocals even richer and more emotionally textured.

The ensemble featured more children than ever before, reflecting the production's commitment to community engagement.
New staging elements introduced snowfall effects inside the theatre, stunning the audience mid-show.
Fresh choreography, inspired by TikTok dance trends, made scenes like "Sparkle and Shine" electrifying.

Amateur Productions and Licensing Boom.

Since 2022, there’s been a surge in amateur productions of Nativity! The Musical across the UK and Ireland. Schools and local theatres are flocking to license the show, thanks to its wide appeal and flexible staging options.

By early 2024, over 180 amateur productions were reported nationwide.
Musicline School Musicals became a major supplier of abridged versions suitable for young casts.

The production’s approachable nature, paired with its heartwarming message, made it the top choice for holiday seasons.

International Interest and Future Plans.

Buzz began in late 2024 about a potential Australian debut in Melbourne for Christmas 2025. Industry whispers suggest that Debbie Isitt is keen to adapt elements to fit an Aussie setting—potentially swapping Coventry for Canberra, and inserting native flora references into the script. Meanwhile, rumors swirl of a filmed stage version, much like Hamilton's Broadway capture, targeted for streaming services. Debbie Isitt hinted at this possibility during a December 2024 interview, saying, "I'd love the world to sparkle and shine with us."

FAQ about Nativity! The Musical

How does Nativity! The Musical differs from the original film?: While the musical stays true to the heartwarming spirit of the 2009 film, it expands on character development, adds several brand-new songs, and features more elaborate group scenes like “Hollywood Are Coming” and “Herod The Rock Opera” designed specifically for the stage spectacle.
Why are there multiple versions of the script?: The script has been adjusted over the years to accommodate celebrity guest stars in various cities, expanding or modifying roles such as the Hollywood Producer, Polly Parker, and Crystal Collins to allow flexible casting without disrupting the story flow.
Which celebrity appearances stood out most during the UK tours?: Standout guest appearances included Louis Walsh's unexpected comic timing in London, Danny Dyer's lively portrayal of the Hollywood Producer (often alongside his daughter Dani Dyer), and Sharon Osbourne's commanding presence as Crystal Collins during the 2019 London run.
How important is Coventry to the story of Nativity! The Musical?: Coventry isn't just a backdrop — it’s woven deeply into the DNA of the show. Both the film and the musical lovingly portray Coventry as a symbol of humble, hardworking British spirit, with local references and hometown pride peppered throughout the dialogue and songs.
Are the musical numbers identical between tours and revivals?: Not quite. While core numbers like “Sparkle and Shine” and “One Night One Moment” remain essential, minor changes in arrangements, lyric tweaks, and even song order were made between productions — especially the 2022 Birmingham revival, which included “Hollywood Never Came.”
Is there an official recording of the live show available?: There is an official cast album released in January 2018, capturing 29 tracks from the original production. However, a filmed version of the stage show itself has not yet been officially released to the public, unlike other jukebox musicals.
How is Mr Poppy’s role portrayed differently by various actors?: Simon Lipkin’s Mr Poppy is childlike but cunning, playing the “lovable chaos agent,” while Scott Paige brought a slightly softer, more heart-on-sleeve charm to the role. Different interpretations have emphasized either the clownishness or emotional core of Mr Poppy’s character.
What makes Nativity! The Musical so popular with amateur groups?: Its massive ensemble scenes, feel-good spirit, flexible script options, and hilarious child parts make it a dream for school productions and amateur theatre companies. Plus, the heartfelt message — that magic can come from anywhere — resonates strongly with community audiences.

Browse by musical