Nativity! The Musical
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When can we come again! I had no idea things like this happened in Birmingham, I thought you had to go to London or New York!” Audience Member, Nov 2022
Sparkling over-the-top entertainment” The Stage
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NATIVITY! The Musical is returning to Birmingham Rep this Christmas!
Feel-good, funny and full of joy, this cracker of a musical was adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films.
a Christmas gift of a musical which will delight adults and children alike” What’s On Stage
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Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Only trouble is teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.
An absolute spectacle full of joy and wonder” WestEnd Best Friend
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Featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long hits from the movies including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs, this musical really ‘is a heartfelt hit’ (The Times).
It’s fun, it’s festive and should be on everyone’s Christmas list” CultureBab
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Since its world premiere at The Rep in 2017, NATIVITY! The Musical has been seen by over one million people during an acclaimed UK tour and three successful London runs. Book now and join us for some MAYHEM in Bethlehem!
Based on the film Nativity!, written and direct by Debbie Isitt and produced by Nick Jones.
Price
From £19.50
Presented by
Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Jamie Wilson
Book by
Debbie Isitt
Music by
Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager
Age Recommendation
6+
Running time
2 hours 25 minutes including interval
Price
from £19.50
Family Discount
£5 off the ticket price for under 16s.
Access Performances
Captioned: All performances will be captioned
Audio Described: Fri 02 Dec, 7pm; Wed 28 Dec, 7pm; Thu 05 Jan 2pm
BSL Interpreted: Sat 03 Dec, 7pm; Wed 14 Dec 10.15am & 2.30pm; Tue 20 Dec, 2pm
Relaxed: Tue 13 Dec, 2.30pm & Wed 04 Jan 7.00pm
Access Pack
Fees and Charges
Please note there is a transaction fee of £2.50 on all payment types. Please click here for more information.
Gallery
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Pamela Raith Photography
Cast
Ralph Bogard
Ralph Bogard is an established performer on the London and International stage, from fringe to the West End and some of the world’s most renowned venues in various plays, musicals and performance projects. Some credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), Bridgerton: Immersive (Secret Cinema), OutStageUs (Lowry Theatre), April In Paris (Hamburg), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Arts theatre), The Process (Bunker Theatre), Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour), RENT (London), Bugsy Malone: Immersive (Secret Cinema), Ushers: The Front of House Musical (Charing Cross Theatre), Promises Promises (Southwark Playhouse), Branded (Old Vic), Something Something Lazarus (Kings Head Theatre) and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (Leicester Sq Theatre and Edinburgh) amongst many others.
His voice is featured on multiple musical theatre cast and concept recordings including: Ushers: The Front of House Musical, 8, Fallen, Bound, Dream Home, B. A. Bride and more.
Ralph is the resident host of The Prince Charles Cinema and Camp John Waters. He interviews and hosts Q&A’s with Hollywood stars and directors.
As a director and artist he’s also created and presented some of the most loved Sing-Along film screenings including The Greatest Showman which have been seen across the UK in some of the biggest theatres and music festivals alongside directing many plays and shows.
Ralph is thrilled and excited to be at the Birmingham Rep with this brilliant show!
Follow Ralph on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @RalphBogard.
Jamie Chapman
Jamie is delighted to be back in Birmingham, having been in the original cast of NATIVITY! The Musical at The Rep back in 2017.
Jamie is probably best known for his regular role as Brains in Ricky Gervais’ Extras. Other screen roles include: Ziggy Briceman in Red Dwarf, Speccy in Catherine Tate’s Nan, and Tony (Craig Revel Horwood’s germophobic henchman!) in Nativity Rocks.
Other credits include: The Crown, Holby City, EastEnders, Doctors and Coming of Age.
Jamie’s stage work includes: Neville’s Island (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Time and the Conways (Bath Theatre Royal), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Nottingham Playhouse), Hound of the Baskervilles (Salisbury Playhouse), Joking Apart (Exeter Northcott) and a year in the West End playing Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap. (He refuses to tell you whodunnit!).
Jamie is also appearing as Gerald in Netflix’s festive release Christmas on Mistletoe Farm – written and directed by NATIVITY’s Debbie Isitt.
Twitter: @jchapmanesq
Jemma Churchill
Jemma trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Jemma was in the original production of NATIVITY! The Musical as Mrs. Bevan which began it’s long successful journey at Birmingham Rep.
Most recently seen on the BBC as Jean in Doctor Who, in Doctors filmed in Selly Oak and plays headteacher Mrs. Peacock in the comedy Ladhood. Jemma played Sandra in the award winning comedy drama Alma’s Not Normal.
In spring 2022 appeared in London in the award nominated drama about the outrageous playwright Joe Orton Diary of a Somebody as Edna Welthorpe.
Before theatres closed in 2020 she appeared as Meg in Birthdays Past, Birthdays Present, the world premiere in Scarborough SJT & UK tour written and directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn.
She worked virtually during theatre closures, notably at The New Vic Theatre on The Hoard Digital and recorded audiobooks, radio plays and began to write and record her own dark comedy stories which can be heard here: www.soundcloud.com/jemmachurchill.
Theatre includes: Diary Of A Somebody, NATIVITY! The Musical, Martha, Josie and The Chinese Elvis,
Cinderella, 84 Charing Cross Road, Horniman’s Choice, Hungry, Factors Unforeseen, Breaking The Code, The Good Mother and Noises Off, The Lower Depths, The Seagull, Things We Do For Love, Having A Ball, Hamlet, When Did You Last See Your Trousers?, Macbeth and Slaughterhouse Five.
Television and Film includes: Doctor Who, Alma’s Not Normal, Doctors, Nativity Rocks!, Call The Midwife, Curfew, Emmerdale, Agatha Raisin, Still Open All Hours, Upstairs Downstairs, EastEnders, Waterloo Road, Five- ish Doctors Reboot, Jekyll, Heartbeat, Holby, Poirot, Midsummer Murders, Murder in Mind, Jonathan Creek, Footballer’s Wives, Waiting For God, Kiss Me Kate, The Brittas Empire and Red Dwarf.
Instagram: jemma.churchill Twitter: @jemmachurchill
Tom Hext
Tom trained at ArtsEd.
His credits include: Cover Dewey Finn/Swing in School of Rock (UK Tour), Ensemble in Oliver Awards (Royal Albert Hall), Ensemble in Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Presents: Let’s Face The Music.
His credits whilst training include: Ensemble in The Wild Party; Cookie McGee in Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Tom is delighted to be joining the cast of NATIVITY! and would like to thank his family for inspiring him.
Instagram: @tomh3xt
Sydney Isitt-Ager
Sydney’s first professional appearance was at 9 years old in the original NATIVITY! film playing shy Sadie opposite Martin Freeman. She went on to feature in sequels Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger and Nativity 3: Dude, where’s my Donkey?. Sydney was part of the original St. Bernadette’s workshop cast for NATIVITY! The Musical in 2015. Sydney has recently graduated from Laine Theatre Arts.
Sydney features as Miss Nerris in new Christmas film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm which is out on Netflix from November 23rd.
Sydney is delighted to be returning to the Nativity franchise in Birmingham this Christmas and describes it as a full circle experience.
Cameron Johnson
Training: LAMDA.
Credits include: Mr Braithwaite in Billy Elliot (Curve Theatre, Leicester), Jamie’s Dad/ Resident Director in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (UK & International Tour), Mr Myers in Fame The Musical (UK Tour), Widow Twankey in Aladdin Rock’n Roll Pantomime (Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich), Morocco in Europe, Mike Connor in High Society and Bruce in People (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Big Moe in Five Guys Named Moe (Underbelly Festival Square Edinburgh), Big Jule in Guys & Dolls (UK Tour & Phoenix Theatre), Memphis in The Life (English Theatre Frankfurt), Marvin in I Will Be Everything (New International Encounter), Nugget in Equus (Pomegranate Theatre), Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, The Narrator in The Boxed Romeo & Juliet (BoxClever Theatre) and Mrs. Rochester in The Brontës of Dunwich Heath…and Cliff (Eastern Angles).
Ben Lancaster
Ben trained at Renaissance Arts.
Stage Credits include: Dustin in Starlight Express (Bochum, Germany), Ensemble/On Stage Swing in Mythic (Charing Cross Theatre), Man 2 in Give My Regards to Broadway (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Playlist Performer (Carnival Cruise Line), Ensemble/ Understudy Prince in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (QDOS), Featured Singer/Dancer, 120th Anniversary Performance (Theatre Royal, Wakefield).
TV Credits include: Finalist in All Together Now (BBC), Dancer in Victoria (ITV), Featured Dancer in The Voyager with Josh Garcia (NBC).
Concerts: Ben Lancaster – Live at Zédel, Cut Before Curtain Up – Above the Stag, West End Christmas – MAD Trust.
Cast Recordings include: Mythic – Original London Cast Recording.
Ben Lancaster’s original music is also available to buy and stream on all platforms.
Twitter: @3enLancaster Instagram: @benyoucrazydiamond
Represented by Michelle Blair Management
Billy Roberts
Billy trained at Tiffany Theatre College.
His theatre credits include: Keith Gill and understudy Dennis and Hertz in Rock Of Ages U.K. Tour, Deldini in Cinderella (Corn Exchange, Newbury), Ensemble and understudy Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy
in NATIVITY! The Musical (U.K Tour and London), Gad and understudy Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House Theatre), Ensemble and understudy Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Winter Gardens, Blackpool), Steve and understudy Don in Summer Holiday the Musical (U.K Tour), Emmo in Our House (U.K Tour), Frankie Valli
in Frankie’s Guys (Four Seasons Tribute, various venues), The Twelve Tenors (International Arena Tour), Headliners Theatre Company (P&O Cruises), Aladdin in Aladdin (Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne), Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Sutton Theatre, Suffolk) and
Ensemble in Jack and the Beanstalk (Regent Theatre, Ipswich).
Billy would like to thank his parents for making everything possible.
Instagram: @billyrob491
Matthew Rowland
Matthew graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from The Arts Educational Schools, London.
Theatre includes: Ned Schneebly in School of Rock (UK and Ireland Tour), understudied and played Dr Pomatter and Ogie in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre), understudied and played Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium), Skimbleshanks and understudy Rum Tum Tugger in Cats (International Tour), Doctor and understudied and played Mr Wormwood and Rudolpho in Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC), understudied and played Mr Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), for which he was also Assistant Children’s Director, Alf in Darling of the Day (Union Theatre), his professional debut playing the role of George in the 10th Anniversary Revival production of Taboo (Brixton Club House) – Broadway World UK Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical – a role he later reprised in the New York 10th Anniversary Concert (54 Below).
Workshops include: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Stop.
As Choreographer: Putting It Together (St James Theatre & G Live).
In 2016 Matthew founded Vibe Arts Theatre School in Kent.
For more, see www.matthewrowland.co.uk.
Instagram: @matthewjamesrowland
Daisy Steere
Daisy trained at Arts Educational Schools, London.
She has just finished playing Francine in the UK & Ireland Tour of Jersey Boys.
Her previous credits include: The Mill at Sonning in Two Into One playing Jennifer Bristow and also at The Mill in Singin’ In The Rain, Seussical The Musical at Southwark Playhouse as Mrs Mayor/Bird Girl, and 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Other stage credits include: playing the title role of Young Jackie in the UK tour of Jackie the Musical, Margot/Cover Elle in Aberystwyth Art Centre’s production of Legally Blonde and the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella at The White Rock Theatre and at the Beck Theatre.
Other credits include: Soloist in Friday Night Is Music Night (BBC Radio), Vocalist for Kerry Ellis In Concert (London Palladium) and the Olivier Awards (BBC Radio 2 and ITV).
Television and Film include: Ballet Shoes (Granada TV) and The Snow Queen (Julian Gibbs).
Workshops include: Prom Fever (Mirrorball Films) directed by Debbie Isitt.
Commercials: Ford, Nando’s, Visa, Currys.
Daisy is delighted to be playing Jennifer in NATIVITY! The Musical.
Instagram: @daisysteere
Callum Train
Callum’s theatre credits include: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium), Timey/Cover Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (UK Tour), Rudolpho/Covered and played Miss Trunchbull in Matilda (West End), Pierce in Half A Sixpence (Chichester and West End), Hortensio in Kiss Me Kate (Opera North), Munkustrap in Cats (London Palladium/UK Tour), Corny Collins in Hairspray (Leicester Curve), Covered and played Billy Flynn in Chicago (Leicester Curve), Top Hat (West End), The Who’s Tommy (The English Theatre, Frankfurt), The Band Wagon (Sadlers Wells), Evita (European Tour), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Manchester Opera House/Richmond Theatre).
TV Appearances include: Timey in The Grinch Live (NBC), Live at the Palladium with Half A Sixpence (2016/17), Sunday Night at the Palladium with Cats (ITV), Olivier Awards 2013 with Top Hat (ITV), Strictly Come Dancing 2012 with Top Hat (BBC).
Cast Recordings include: Half A Sixpence (London Cast Recording), Top Hat (Original Cast Recording), The Who’s Tommy (The English Theatre, Frankfurt).
Instagram: @callumtrain88
Eliza Waters
Eliza graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2019, where she was a Disney Theatrical Productions Scholar.
Her credits whilst training include: Joanna in Reunion, Narrator/Headteacher in Martha in the Dark and City of Angels by Cy Coleman (dir. Bruce Guthrie).
She originally trained as a Stage Manager and has worked in this capacity (extensively in Birmingham!) on plays, musicals, operas and on various productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC. Eliza recently completed her run performing in Heathers at The Other Palace and is thrilled to have joined the NATIVITY! cast.
Instagram: @elizadootalot
Louie Wood
Louie trained at Arts Ed, graduating top of his class with a BA in Musical Theatre.
Whilst training, he appeared in The Wedding Singer and Ragtime where he played the role of Harry Houdini.
His professional credits include: Beauty and the Beast at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and most recently Billy Elliott at The Leicester Curve.
Louie would like to thank his agent, Terence at YOU Management for the support and he would also like to thank his family.
Creative Team
Writer, Director & Composer
Debbie Isitt
Debbie Isitt
Debbie Isitt is a BAFTA and EMMY award winning writer and director of film, television and theatre. She trained as an actor and toured the world with her award winning theatre company Snarling Beasties.
Her first cinema film Nasty Neighbours (2000) won huge international acclaim. Debbie adapted Jacqueline Wilson’s The Illustrated Mum for Channel 4, winning
a BAFTA and two International EMMY’s for best adaptation. Debbie’s hit comedy cinema film Confetti (20th Century Fox) was nominated for a British Comedy Award in 2006.
More recently Debbie has created a hugely successful film franchise by writing and directing a series of blockbuster Christmas films; Nativity!, Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger, Nativity 3: Dude Where’s My Donkey?, and Nativity Rocks!. All major box office hits in the UK. Debbie’s latest film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm premieres globally this Christmas on Netflix.
Debbie will receive an honorary (Doctor of Letters) degree in January from Warwick University in honour of her services to the industry.
Debbie is delighted to be returning to The Rep with her much-loved production of NATIVITY! The Musical and says “it feels like coming home”.
Dedication
This year’s production of NATIVITY! The Musical is dedicated to Debbie’s Dad Peter Isitt who tragically passed away from covid during the pandemic. Pete was always front and centre of every audience for Debbie’s work and was Nativity’s biggest fan. There will be a front row seat and a star in the sky for every performance this Christmas. Sparkle and shine Dad.
Co Composer
Nicky Ager
Nicky Ager
Nicky Ager is a film editor, musician and composer and together with Debbie Isitt co-wrote the original songs and score for the hit series of Nativity films. Nicky also performs as a singer-songwriter and has performed in Europe and America.
Nicky has also worked as a film and TV editor on award winning documentaries and commercials. His feature films include: Nasty Neighbours, Confetti, Nativity!, Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger, Nativity 3: Dude Where’s My Donkey?, Nativity Rocks! and Christmas on Mistletoe Farm.
Associate Choreographer and Childrens Director
Rebecca Louis
Rebecca Louis
Rebecca trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance & Leeds University, where she obtained a BA in Dance and Performing Arts. Following this she studied at Arts Educational School, London on the Post Graduate Musical Theatre course.
Her credits include: Resident Director on Jack and the Beanstalk (London Palladium), Resident Director/ Children’s Director on Bedknobs and Broomsticks (UK Tour), Resident Director on Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (London Palladium),
Associate Choreographer/Regional Children’s Director on Nativity The Musical (Regional Tour, Hammersmith Apollo), Associate Movement Director on A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), Acting Resident on The Girls (Phoenix Theatre), Assistant Choreographer on The What’s On Stage Awards 2016 (Prince of Wales Theatre), Assistant Choreographer/Director on Cinderella (Theatre Royal, Plymouth), Assistant Choreographer and Rehearsal Cover on Follies (Royal Albert Hall), Assistant Choreographer on A Little Night Music Concert (Palace Theatre), Resident Director/Assistant Choreographer on Betty Blue
Eyes (UK Tour), Assistant Choreographer on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for Qdos Pantomimes (Beck Theatre Hayes), Associate Choreographer on The Sound of Music for Popular Productions (Doha & Bahrain).
Associate Director
David Hulston
David Hulston
David’s works include:
As Revival Choreographer: Kiss Me Kate (Opera North at the London Coliseum), A Round-Heeled Woman (West End), Paradise Moscow (2009) and Carousel (Barbican transfer 2012).
As Assistant Choreographer: Victoria (ITV – Series 1 & 3), Der Kuhhandel (Bregenz Festival), Carousel (Opera North, 2012) and Paradise Moscow (Opera North 2001).
As Story Supervisor: Nativity Rocks (film release November 2018), Christmas on Mistletoe Farm (Netflix Feature Film).
As Associate Director: Strictly Ballroom the Musical (UK Tour 2022/23), NATIVITY! The Musical (UK Tour 2017 & 2018) and Sister Act (UK Tour 2017).
As Movement Director: Don Giovanni (Netherlands Reis Opera) and Into the Woods (Opera North/West Yorkshire Playhouse).
As Associate Choreographer: Kiss Me Kate (Opera North/Welsh National Opera).
As Assistant Director/Choreographer: Fiddler on the Roof (2014 UK tour), The Witches of Eastwick (Watermill, Newbury), and Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show (UK Tour)
As Director: Strictly Confidential (UK Tour).
As Director and Choreographer: Stiles & Drewe’s Just So (Petersfield Youth Theatre)
As Choreographer: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (High Wycombe Theatre), HMS Pinafore (Holland Opera Park), The Pirates of
Penzance and HMS Pinafore for Opera Holland Park.
As Resident Director: Carousel (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris and Opera North).
Designer
David Woodhead
David Woodhead
David trained in Theatre and Performance Design at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, graduating with first class honours. He was a finalist in the Linbury Prize for Stage Design.
Theatre credits include: The Da Vinci Code (UK Tour); Blackmail (Mercury Colchester); Rent (Hope Mill Theatre); Curtains (West End & UK Tour); Nativity! (Hammersmith Apollo & UK Tour); Dial M For Murder (UK Tour); Titanic (UK & World Tours); Peter and the Starcatcher (Royal & Derngate); Gaslight; Strangers on a Train (ATG UK Tours); Billy Liar (Royal Exchange); The
Wasp (Hampstead Theatre & Trafalgar Studios); The Night Watch (York Theatre Royal & UK Tour); Abigail’s Party; Bugsy Malone (Leicester Curve); Night Must Fall (Salisbury Playhouse & UK Tour); Tell Me On A Sunday; A Little Night Music (Watermill); The Hound of the Baskervilles (& UK Tour); The Importance of Being Earnest (Bolton Octagon);The Smallest Show on Earth (Mercury Colchester, UK Tour); Of Mice and Men; Wait Until Dark (UK Tours); Lizzie Siddal (Arcola); Dinner With Friends (Park Theatre); Newsies (Arts Ed).
International credits include: Titanic (Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto, European Tour & China Tour); Gaslight (Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto);
Cornelius; Café Society Swing (59E59 New York); The Truth (Zorlu Centre, Instanbul); Disgraced; The Hound Of The Baskervilles (English Theatre Frankfurt).
David’s designs for Titanic won the Off-West End Award for Best Designer, alongside nominations for the Broadway World Award for Best Set & Costume Design and the Canadian Dora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design.
LX Designer
Tim Mitchell
Tim Mitchell
Tim is an Associate Artist for Royal Shakespeare Company and Chichester Festival Theatre and is a Fellow of Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
In 2015 he won a Knight of Illumination Award for Taken at Midnight (Chichester). He was nominated for an Olivier Award for Henry IV Part 1 and 2 (RSC), Green Room Award for Singin’ in the Rain (Australia) and Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Royal Lyceum). In 2018 he was nominated for Best Lighting Design in the 53rd Fleur Du Cap Awards for King Kong and in 2020 for Kinky Boots (both Fugard Theatre).
For Birmingham Rep: Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble (& West End), The Play What I Wrote, Nativity! (also tour), The Snowman, The Exorcist.
Recent Theatre: Sister Act (UK Tour); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (UK Tour); Upstart Crow (Gielgud Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire (Nashville Ballet).
Associate LX Designer
Alex Boucher
Alex Boucher
Alex studied at University of Wales, Trinity St David and gained an honors degree in Theatre Design & Production. Alex went on to work for the Birmingham Rep, and as a freelance lighting designer and programmer.
His programming credits include: The Entertainer (Simon Friend), Toast (PW Productions), Don Giovanni (Longborough Festival Opera), La Calisto (Lonborough Festival Opera), Anna Bolena (Longborough Festival Opera), NATIVITY! The Musical (Jamie Wilson Productions).
For Birmingham Rep: One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Tim Lutkin), The Exorcist (Tim Mitchell), King Lear (Jo Town), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (David Howe), 1000 Splendid Suns (Simon Bond), A String Quartets Guide to Sex & Anxiety (Tim Mitchell), Peter Pan: Reimagined (Lee Curran), Of Mice and Men (Simon Bond), The Wizard of Oz (Nick Richings).
Design credits include: All You Need is LSD (Told by an Idiot), Rebel Music (Birmingham Rep), I Knew You (Birmingham Rep).
Musical Director
Joshua Griffith
Joshua Griffith
Joshua studied music at the University of York graduating, with first class honours, in 2018.
Most recently, he worked alongside Mark Knopfler in creating a new musical based on the film Local Hero, which is currently premiering in Chichester. For the last year, he has been assistant musical director of the UK and International tour of Chicago. Josh has also played keyboards in many projects, including the musical television production of How The Grinch Stole Christmas which aired on NBC and Sky last year. He is extremely excited to step up into the role of musical director for this fabulous production of NATIVITY!
Credits as assistant musical director include: Local Hero (Chichester), Chicago (UK/International Tour), Falsettos (The Other Palace), Flashdance (International Tour).
@griffith_josh
Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator & Fixer
George Dyer
George Dyer
George read Music at Durham University before being offered a scholarship to study Musical Direction at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Credits as Arranger & Orchestrator and Musical Supervisor include: NATIVITY! The Musical (UK Tour), West Side Story (Curve), The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), The Last Five Years (Southwark & West End), An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical (UK & US Tour), The Wedding Singer (UK Tour 2017, Korea and Troubadour Theatre), Annie (West End, UK Tour, Canada and South African productions), Bugsy Malone (Curve), Footloose, Merrily We Roll Along, Ragtime, The Wiz and Momentous Musicals.
Credits as Musical Director: West Side Story (Curve), Annie (West End), Disenchanted! A New Musical Comedy (Broadway on Demand), Monday Night at the Apollo (West End), The Last Five Years (Southwark Playhouse), The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House), The Wedding Singer (UK Tour), Annie (UK Tour, Broadwayworld Award – Best Musical Direction), Bugsy Malone (Curve, Leicester), Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse and St. James’ Theatre – European Premiere, Broadwayworld Award – Best Musical Direction), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Derby Theatre), Sweeney Todd (West Yorkshire Playhouse and Manchester Royal Exchange), Footloose (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Liza (on an E) (Vaudeville Theatre West), Howard Goodall’s A Winter’s Tale (Professional Premiere), Merrily We Roll Along (Theatr Clwyd), Annie (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Ragtime (Landor Theatre), The Wiz (West Yorkshire Playhouse and Birmingham Rep), Sincerely Nöel – with Alistair McGowan (Riverside Studios), Momentous Musicals (New Wimbledon Theatre & UK Tour), Betwixt! (Trafalgar Studios), Peter Pan (Casino Theatre, Geneva), Shoshana Bean: Live in the West End (Ambassadors Theatre), Helena Blackman, The Sound of Rodgers & Hammerstein (Prince of Wales Theatre), Tomorrow Morning (Landor Theatre), Zombie Prom (UK Premiere, Landor Theatre), Cinderella, Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates and Jack and the Beanstalk (for QDOS, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton), Cinderella (Theatre Royal, Newcastle) and Sleeping Beauty (Alhambra Theatre, Bradford).
Future and current productions include: The Wizard of OZ which opens at Curve November 2022, the World Premiere of My Best Friend’s Wedding – The Musical (World Premiere) for which George is the Musical Supervisor & Orchestrator, and Annie (UK Tour – 2023) as Musical supervisor and Orchestrator which opens at Curve. Television credits include: Vocal Coach for Channel 5’s Don’t Stop Believing.
Instagram: @georgedyermd
Sound Designer
Tom Marshall
Tom Marshall
Tom has worked in theatre sound for nearly three decades.
Sound Design highlights include: Sister Act (UK Tour), Grease (Dominion Theatre & UK Tour), Bonnie & Clyde (Arts Theatre), Beautiful – The Carole King Story
(UK Tour), The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre, London) Spike (UK Tour & Watermill Theatre), A Chorus Line (Curve, Leicester), Amelie (Criterion Theatre, London & UK Tour), Hairspray (Pimlico Opera), The Boy In The Dress (RSC), Curtains (London Wyndham’s Theatre
& UK Tour), White Christmas (London Dominion & UK Tour), West Side Story (Curve, Leicester), An Officer And A Gentleman (UK Tour), The Jungle Book (UK tour), Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour), Bugsy Malone (Curve), Oliver! (Grange Park Opera), Legally Blonde (Curve), Tell Me on a Sunday (UK Tour), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (London Savoy & UK Tour), Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre, London).
As a freelance mix engineer Tom has had the privilege of working on countless events, such as the 2012 Olympic stadium athletics and touring with many artists including; PJ Harvey, The Coral, The Bees,
The Lightning Seeds, Elaine Paige, Lewis Taylor and Martina-Topley-Bird.
Associate Sound Designer
Callum Wills
Callum Wills
Callum’s sound design credits include: Spring Awakening (Leicester Curve), 9 to 5 Musical (Curve Theatre).
Associate Sound Design: A Chorus Line (Leicester Curve), Sister Act (Leicester Curve).
Sound No.1 Credits include: Treason Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Bonnie & Clyde Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Hairspray (London Coliseum),
On Your Feet (London & UK Tour), Fame (UK Tour), NATIVITY! (London & UK Tour), Flashdance (UK Tour), Crazy For You (UK Tour), Tommy (UK Tour), Grease (Leicester Curve) and Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve).
Casting Directors
Keston & Keston
Keston & Keston
Keston & Keston are children’s casting directors & children’s general managers.
Children’s Casting Director credits include: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Leeds Playhouse & UK Tour), Bonnie and Clyde (West End), The Grinch (NBC Live/Universal), How The Grinch Stole Christmas
(UK Premiere and UK Tour), NATIVITY! The Musical (Birmingham Rep 2022), A Christmas Carol (West End), NATIVITY! The Musical (London & UK Tours, 2018-2020), Mame (Hope Mill Theatre/UK Tour), Rags (Hope Mill Theatre, Park Theatre & London Cast Recording) and A Little Princess (UK Premiere).
Other: Additional children’s casting for Marvel and Netflix projects (2022/2023 release), Amazon Kids +, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Lego
Casting Director
Debbie O'Brien
Debbie O'Brien
Debbie’s West End/UK Tours include: The Choir of Man, Dirty Dancing, Thriller Live, American Idiot, Knights of the Rose, 20th Century Boy, The Knowledge, Close to You, Priscilla Queen of the
Desert, Sinatra, Our House, Starlight Express, Mum’s the Word, Jackie, Grease, The Snowman, Flashdance, The King and I, Showboat, Dancing in the Streets, The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Daisy Pulls It Off, The Harder They Come, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,
Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Peter Pan, The Pirates of Penzance, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Rocky Horror Show.
Regional and international productions include: Trio, Playboy of the West Indies, The Birds and the Bees, Never Lost At Home, Friends! The Musical Parody, Hugh Jackman The Show, Cruel Intentions, Once, We’ll Live and Die In These Towns, Noise Boys, Kinky Boots, Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, Room, Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin.
Recorded media includes: Mimi’s World, Waybuloo, Grandpa In My Pocket, What’s Your News, Planet Cook.
Costume Supervisor
Kay Wilton
Kay Wilton
Kay worked for 30 years as a freelance designer/ maker for theatre, film, ballet and opera including shows at The Rep, Birmingham Royal Ballet and film and opera with director Ken Russell.
She joined The Rep as full time maker, milliner and costume supervisor in 2013 and was appointed head of department in 2017.
This was also the year that The Rep created NATIVITY! The Musical, one of her favourite shows to work on, well worth all the effort it took to create. The show is a joy to work on as well as to watch. It is everything that a Christmas show should have and the sparkle and shine we all need just now.
Assistant Director
Alice Chambers
Alice Chambers
Born and raised in the rural Northwest, Alice (she/ her) trained on the MFA Theatre Directing course at Birkbeck. She studied her undergraduate degree in English Literature.
She currently works as Resident Assistant Director at Birmingham Rep, with a focus on facilitation for
the youth theatre groups, dramaturgy, and local artist development. She specialises in new writing that is local and formally-inventive.
Recent credits include: The Mother Sh*t (Stumble Trip and Pleasance Theatre), A Gem of a Place (BoldText Playwrights), Uncommon Riches Festival (Young Rep), Little Amal (The Walk), Sky Comedy Rep Festival (Sky Studios), and Albatross (Playground Theatre).
Production Manager
Chris Hay
Chris Hay
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