An infants class full of misfits put on a school nativity play for their parents. The play itself doesn't run to plan but then it reflects the backstage squabbles, arguments, and power battles ("I'm gonna be Mary!"). Stephen Tompkinson is wonderful as the play's narrator, determined to impress his parents, and Julia Sawalha, Mina Anwar and Dervla Kirwan's trio of on-off friendships bring back the days when friendships were made and broken and made again all in the space of an hour. All this plus an iguana named Michael Owen makes a charming film for a winter's evening in.
5 Reviews
Hysterical! A New Family Favorite!
ballykfanatic21 January 2007
This is quite possibly the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life! It was much better than "A Christmas Story", and it rival "Elf" as out Christmas family favorite!
Stephen Tompkinson was an endearing Tim, and Dervla Kirwan was a riot as Jaye Dackers! We all grew up with that kid who "dares ya" and that kid who scares ya. I found it most hysterical just listening to the things that are muttered under the children's' breath while performing. Listen to Josie Lawrence, as Mary, muttering about Joseph under her breath when she sends him off.
It is true that children do see and hear everything that goes on in their homes, and that they repeat them when they go to school. I also liked the realism of the WAY the parts were played out on stage. You had the kids who didn't talk, the ones who knew everyones lines, and the flute music will bring back memories of school for everyone!
Get it, watch it, treasure it! You won't be sorry.
Stephen Tompkinson was an endearing Tim, and Dervla Kirwan was a riot as Jaye Dackers! We all grew up with that kid who "dares ya" and that kid who scares ya. I found it most hysterical just listening to the things that are muttered under the children's' breath while performing. Listen to Josie Lawrence, as Mary, muttering about Joseph under her breath when she sends him off.
It is true that children do see and hear everything that goes on in their homes, and that they repeat them when they go to school. I also liked the realism of the WAY the parts were played out on stage. You had the kids who didn't talk, the ones who knew everyones lines, and the flute music will bring back memories of school for everyone!
Get it, watch it, treasure it! You won't be sorry.
Nothing bad to say
Smegger21 February 2000
Starring the cream of the talent we have in the UK today, this brought back some fond, and not so fond memories of primary school. Everyone especially Frank Skinner was superb in acting out the Nativity, with everyone trying to please their parents. The drinks afterwards had the parents of the "kids" who were played by the actual actors themselves, and brought many a giggle. Just a pity its an one-off
Should be shown every Christmas (spoilers)
NB200028 January 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Funny doesn't even begin to describe this. The cast are so brilliant as little children about to do their Christmas play. They act exactly like children. The way they act with each other is brilliant. I especially liked the way the Angel Gabriel kept switching between being best friends the Wise (wo)man and the other Angel. The way she'd suddenly drop one and take the other and then just as suddenly switch back was extremely funny. All the cast were brilliant. I especially liked the scene afterwards where the parents are having drinks. The father of the shepherd who brought the torch for the fire telling one of the mothers that he measured how far the beam of light stretched. "Then some bloke came along and knicked it, but I could see him. I could see him knicking it." All brilliant.
So funny
stickythemwiththepointyend6 December 2020
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