Relaxed performance of Nativity the Musical held at theatre - Basingstoke Gazette

Residents with additional needs who may usually avoid visiting the theatre were treated to an inclusive performance of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society's newest show. A relaxed performance of the amateur dramatics group's show, Nativity the Musical, was held at the Haymarket on Tuesday, November 26.

Alterations were made to the performance to ensure that neurodiverse children, adults and their families could enjoy the show.

These included BATS President, Richard Bond, coming on stage and introducing each actor and the character they were playing.

BATS President Richard Bond with the Cast of Nativity!
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

Mr Bond also warned audience members about any startling noises or effects in the show, in addition to the lighting in the theatre remaining on, although dimmed, throughout the performance.

Sponsored by coffee company Lavazza, the show marked the society's second relaxed performance after the success of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2023, in the group's 60-year history. 

Craig Saunders (Mr. Maddens) and Adrien Nortier (Mr. Poppy)
Photo: Sean Dillow, Basingstoke Gazette

To make the performance possible, the society raised money from corporate sponsors, local councillors and community grant funding in addition to taking on a fundraising activity titled the 'Christmas Cycle Challenge'.

Cast members rode an exercise bike for six hours dressed as Father Christmas, elves, reindeer and more, raising £595, enabling the performance to go ahead.

In addition to changes being made to the show, BATS gave free tickets to special educational needs schools in the area, charity and community organisations to make the performance accessible.

Richard Bond explained to the Gazette that a night at the theatre is 'something a lot of us take for granted', adding: "For those of us with additional needs, finding accessible shows can be a big challenge.

"We are thrilled to be in a position to welcome audiences with additional needs to our production of Nativity the Musical, to experience the enjoyment that live theatre brings.

"This has all been made possible thanks to our kind corporate sponsor; Lavazza Professional UK, community grant funding; Greenham Trust and Hampshire County Councillor community grants, plus support from Team Communications Ltd (BSL interpretation), The MPC Ltd, Music Theatre International, Anvil Arts and our team of SEND experts and BATS volunteers.

"All of which, made it possible for us to stage this wonderful, uplifting and inclusive community engagement event."

Lola Crossman
Basingstoke Gazette

Nativity! The Musical Review, Nov 2024 - National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

SET: The stage, covering various locations: classroom, playground, Hollywood studio, Mr Madden’s home, the Lord Mayor’s ballroom was created by furniture and props and enhanced with a changing screen. There was minimal disruption during the scene changes. The props were excellent such as a box also being used as the Head’s desk. There were numerous smaller props that enhanced the action: the various planets, stars, feather fans.

COSTUMES: The costumes were fantastic with many changes. These ranged from reindeers to the traditional Joseph, Mary and the three kings. There were school uniforms, ballgowns and evening suits, the Mayor’s regalia and critic’s posh coat and scarf. My personal favourite was the Christmas tree!

THE PRODUCTION: From the opening number this show was full of sparkle and shine. Every moment was filled with joy and energy. Although this was a ‘happy’ show, there was also a serious and thought-provoking thread; the shallowness of the bright lights of Hollywood. This show had it all: bright, vibrant costumes, thrilling choreography, solo numbers as well as massive group numbers and heaps of laughs. With direction by Carly Thompson, choreography by Leigh Young and with musical direction by Simon Eastwood, this was a special production and a very special evening for all those present. 

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

Director, Carly Thompson Makes her BATS Christmas Debut

It's been Christmas since July, as we’ve been busy rehearsing Nativity! the Musical, coming to the Haymarket in November, under the guidance of a brand new director, Carly Thompson.

"I love Christmas, and I love working with children, so this is the perfect show for me!" says Carly.

Based on the hit film, Nativity! follows the pupils and teachers at St. Bernadette’s Primary School as they stage their very own musical Nativity, with plenty of hilarity along the way.

Director, Carly Thomson makes her BATS debut with Nativity! The Musical

"It's a beautiful story - wondrous, heartfelt and moving, with fantastic singing and dancing. Every night you'll see our cast of 20 children and 18 adults all fully embracing the festive spirit."

Carly comes to BATS with extensive experience of performing and directing at Oxted in Surrey. Not long after moving to Newbury to 2018, a tumour was found in Carly's spine.

"It was removed safely but there was still a risk of paralysis," she says. "So it took me a couple of years to get involved in theatre again. Then I saw the ad looking for a director for Nativity, and here I am!"

"BATS is a lovely welcoming group, and there's so much talent in the company, it was very hard to choose at the auditions. But now we're well into rehearsals and they're full of laughter, fun and hard work of course!"

The presence of 40 children in the rehearsal room (forming two alternate casts of 20) brings a real energy to proceedings.

"To have the energy and wonder from the kids is a real boost to the adult cast who might arrive stressed from work," laughs Carly, "and of course the discipline of the adults can help manage the exuberance of the small people!"

"It's going to be an experience they'll always remember."

Nativity! the Musical runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26th-30th November 2024. View show information and book tickets.

Adrien Embraces his Crazy and Childish Side as Mr. Poppy

"He's wild, childish and fabulous!"

Adrien Nortier is talking about Mr. Poppy, the teaching assistant he plays in Nativity! The Musical. If you've seen the film you'll know he's one of the most memorable characters in the feelgood family comedy.

"The way he sees the world through the eyes of a child is so refreshing." says Adrien. "Everything makes sense in his head but it can come across as complete nonsense!"

Adrien as Mr Poppy - Performing at the Basingstoke Variety Show, 6 October 2024

Mr. Poppy is Adrien's first main leading role for BATS. He joined the Society 15 years ago after growing up in France. That meant he wasn't familiar with some of the cultural references in Nativity! The Musical. Such as?

"I had to ask who Keith Chegwin was, he wasn't part of my upbringing!"

The kids of St Bernadette's school love Mr. Poppy's unusual ways. But they infuriate grumpy teacher Mr. Maddens, who's been tasked with staging the school's first ever musical nativity.

"Mr. Poppy is the nephew of the headteacher and he's sort of thrown at Mr. Maddens, who feels like he's got another child to look after. But then they become friends and Mr. Poppy makes him realise he can open his heart and have faith in the children."

The perfect message for Christmas then! But what's it been like rehearsing a Christmas show in the height of summer? "A bit surreal, even disturbing at times," laughs Adrien, "But now the nights have drawn in and it's feeling colder, it's a lot easier to conjure up the festive spirit!"

Two teams of twenty children play the loveable pupils of St Bernadette's. "Working with the kids is so much fun. It's lovely watching them do what they do. They're oblivious to how good they actually are. They just make me want to work really hard so I don't let them down."

So - the big question - is Adrien anything like Mr. Poppy? "No! I think I'm quite collected and grown up, not crazy at all! Mr. Poppy is ‘up’ all the time - there's no ‘down’ button! But I'm really enjoying playing this part that is the complete opposite to me!"

Join Adrien and the cast of Nativity! The Musical at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 26-30 November 2024. View show information and book tickets.

Nativity! The Musical adult auditions - Information for pre-audition workshops, audition dates and registration

If you are an adult aged 18+ and would like to join us to perform in our production of Nativity! The Musical, here is the information you need about auditions.

The show will be performed at The Haymarket in Basingstoke from Tues 26 – Sat 30 November.

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ACCESS AUDITION RESOURCES ONLINE: MEMBERS AREA

You must be a paid-up member to be able to access audition materials and the online audition form.

Access these resources by logging into your member account on the BATS website. If you are a new member, pay your membership online with a debit or credit card to gain instant access your account. Annual membership runs from 1 July - 30 June.

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Welcome talk

It is not mandatory to attend in order to audition:
Date: Mon 10 June: 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

8.00pm - 8.30pm - Welcome Talk
8.30pm - 9.15pm - Adults Movement(Director/Choreographer)
9.15pm - 10.00pm - Dancers dance (Director/Choreographer)

This is a chance to meet the creatives who will go through the expectations and their vision for the show i.e. characters, how auditions will go etc. This will go into a pre-audition workshop to learn a bit of singing and dance so please wear suitable clothing to dance in. 

Pre-audition workshops

You'll need to attend at least one pre-audition workshop to practise singing with the musical director and be taught the audition dance for ensemble or dancers. You do not need to register to attend a pre-audition workshop. Though you’ll need to pre-book for an individual singing slot with the MD (one per person). Book via the Show Manager at the first session on 10 June or at other sessions

Date: Wed 12 June
7.30pm - 7.45pm - Ensemble singing (MD)
7.45pm - 10.00pm - Individual singing 10 min slots (MD)
8.00pm - 9.00pm - Adults Movement (Director/Choreographer)
9.00pm - 10.00pm - Dancers dance (Director/Choreographer)

Date: Mon 17 June
7.30pm - 7.45pm - Ensemble singing (MD)
7.45pm - 10.00pm - Individual singing 10 min slots (MD)
8.00pm - 9.00pm - Adults Movement (Director/Choreographer)
9.00pm - 10.00pm - Dancers dance (Director/Choreographer)

Date: Wed 19 June
7.30pm - 7.45pm - Final Ensemble singing (MD)
7.45pm - 8.50pm - Individual singing 10 min slots (MD)
7.45pm - 8.50pm - Final Dance/Movement recap
9.00pm - 9.30pm - Dance/Movement Audition
9.30pm - 10.00pm - Ensemble Audition

Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT

Auditions

The online audition form must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 17 June.

Date: Sun 23 June: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Market Chambers, Performers Together, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE

Performance Fee

If you are successfully cast in the show, a performance fee of £100 is payable no later than 26 October. You can pay in instalments - just talk to us to request this.

Outline rehearal Schedule

Cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening and on some Sundays.  All cast will be called for the first four rehearsals to set the show with the Director. We will also be using the Sundays to stage the large Junior orientated scenes (The Main Nativity show). View the outline rehearsal schedule.