“The Flint Street Nativity” is an absolute riot! If the annual homage to our Christian roots had been depicted that way when I was a child I would have stayed at Sunday School longer.
To a doting audience of Mums, Dads and family hangers-on, the class of seven year olds treat us to an unabashed display of talents, behaviours and interpersonal relationships bubbling within the group.
Each member of the cast unashamedly allows their inner child to burst to life in delightful, sometimes touching but always recognizable ways that has us rocking with mirth.
Of the very even and talented ensemble allow me to mention Innkeeper DEREK CRAWFORD, son of the local publican, who has a penchant for dramatic appearances from multiple hiding places, likes issuing dares to Star BRANT EUSTICE whose uncle works for NASA and has feelings for Mary, LYN WILSON but he just won’t tidy his hair.
Mary, who knows all her lines is constantly and unsuccessfully prodding Joseph BRENDAN COONEY into playing his part but he is struck dumb when he spies his Dad in the audience.
Gabriel TRACY WALKER really wants to be Mary and literally shoves her way to that end. She bosses and bullies Angel (with the best Italian wings) ANITA ZAMBERLAN CANALA.
There is animated description of a birthing cow from the Shepherd SHARON MALUJLO and Wise Gold CHERYL DOUGLAS cries a lot.
The change to adult reality serves to focus what we have learned about the children in the Nativity.
A great night out. Such good therapy.
