There are some shows that leave you grinning from the very first glitter-sprinkled moment to the final triumphant bow, and Stage Productions’ Nativity! at the Regent Theatre is unquestionably one of them. In a season filled with festive offerings, this amateur company delivers a production so full of heart, humour and high-energy joy that it could brighten even the frostiest December day. What unfolds on the Regent’s stage is not merely an amateur production – it is a jubilant, infectious celebration of community spirit, youthful talent and theatrical ambition.
Stage Productions have built a reputation in Stoke-on-Trent for raising the bar year after year, but Nativity! may well be their most charming and accomplished show yet. With a cast bursting at the seams (quite literally—33 children, plus a full adult company), inventiveness in every scene, and a heart meltingly sweet finale, this is a show that feels tailor-made to send families floating out into the winter air with their hearts three sizes bigger.
Capturing the boundless, chaotic, contagiously cheerful energy of Mr Poppy is no small task, but James Dawe does it with absolute ease. His performance is the beating heart of this production. Dawe’s Mr Poppy is part overgrown child, part enthusiastic life-coach, and part glitter cannon—all in the best possible way. His comic timing is razor-sharp, his improvisatory flair gives the show a sense of joyful unpredictability, and the warmth he radiates with the children is genuinely touching. Not only does he lead the madness; he embodies its soul. Every time Dawe bounds onto the stage, the energy jumps several notches—and the audience absolutely loves him for it.
Opposite Mr Poppy’s wildness sits the grounded, heartfelt portrayal of Paul Maddens, beautifully brought to life by Dan Booth. Booth offers a wonderfully balanced performance—gentle, sympathetic and relatable. His emotional arc gives the story its weight, and he plays every scene with sincerity. Booth’s chemistry with both his pupils and Mr Poppy creates a believable, nuanced dynamic, and his scenes with Jennifer are tenderly underplayed. His portrayal anchors the production, proving that warmth can be just as powerful as comedy.
Every good story needs a fabulous antagonist, and Tom Pear delivers exactly that in Gordon Shakespeare. His performance is delightfully theatrical, full of smugness, flair and crisp comic aggression. Pear’s command of the stage is undeniable—he relishes every moment, every eyebrow raise, every withering aside. His rivalry with Paul Maddens is performed with relish and his scenes light up with playful energy. This is a Shakespeare who knows exactly what kind of show he’s in, and he luxuriates in every second.
Leah Dowell delivers a touching, emotionally honest turn as Jennifer Lore. Her presence brings a softness and emotional richness to the show, and her vocal work is gentle, expressive and filled with sincerity. Dowell navigates the character’s mixture of nostalgia, yearning and hope with a beautifully measured performance. Her reunion moments with Maddens are especially tender, adding layers of warmth to the show’s second half. A truly lovely portrayal.
Tracy Brought-Chesters as Mrs Bevans brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense humour and carefully timed exasperation the role demands. Her scenes are always laugh-inducing, and her presence is a stabilising comic force.
A production of Nativity! lives or dies by the strength of its children’s ensemble—and Stage Productions have assembled something genuinely special. With 33 young performers, not only is the stage constantly filled with colour and life, but every single child turns in work of remarkable confidence and discipline.
Dottie Brown as Star is a shining presence from her first moment onstage. Her confidence, clarity and natural charisma make her instantly magnetic. As well as having exceptional vocals, Brown’s performance is full of heart, and she absolutely earns her place as a standout young star.
Jude Holmes as TJ is hugely funny, brilliantly energetic and full of personality, Holmes delivers every scene with enthusiasm and comic flair. A thoroughly endearing performance.
Henri Reynolds as Ollie brings lovely charm and excellent comedic instincts to the role. Whether delivering lines or simply reacting within the bigger ensemble moments, he is a natural stage presence. His vocals are also very secure throughout.
It is genuinely rare in amateur theatre to see such strong, cohesive work from such a large children’s ensemble. Their movement is tight; their storytelling is clear; their collective joy is palpable. Whether singing, dancing, acting or simply filling the stage with sparkling festive energy, they are the highlight of the production. Their final performance of the show-within-the-show is nothing short of triumphant.
Stage Productions have built an adult ensemble who work together with complete unity, supporting scenes with great detail and commitment. Abby Evans, Sam Lesniak, Craig Scott-Patrick, and Aaron Richardson all bring colour, character and wonderfully energised performances to the world of St Bernadette’s and beyond, whilst letting the children on stage shine.
Theo as Cracker, too, adds lovely charm—another moment of enrichment in a world already bursting with life.
It is a testament to Stage Productions’ ambition that this show never once feels small. The production choices are bold, imaginative and executed with love. Scene transitions are slick and full of personality. Choreography is clean, expressive and perfectly pitched to both the adult and children’s abilities. Costumes burst with festive flair—fun, charming and unmistakably Nativity.
The director’s hand is clear throughout: a deep respect for the story, an understanding of what audiences want from this show, and a joyful willingness to embrace chaos where it counts.
By the time the production reaches its final, glitter-drenched moments, the audience is fully swept up in the magic. The joy radiating from the cast is utterly infectious. There are shows that entertain, and there are shows that uplift—and this one does both in abundance. Children beam with pride. Adults revel in nostalgia. Families share knowing looks of delight.
The Regent Theatre, often home to touring giants, feels transformed by the authentic, homemade, community-driven charm of Stage Productions’ Nativity!.
Some productions remind you why amateur theatre is so essential to the cultural heartbeat of a community, and Stage Productions’ Nativity! is absolutely one of them. It is warm, funny, beautifully performed, and lovingly crafted. It is packed with personality, big emotions and unforgettable moments. It celebrates children, celebrates creativity, and celebrates Christmas itself. Above all, it proves—once again—that talent runs extraordinarily deep in Stoke’s theatre community.
Stage Productions have created a Christmas delight that deserves every round of applause it receives. A joyful triumph from beginning to end.
Nativity! The Musical runs at the Regent Theatre until Saturday 6th December 2025.
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