Fifteen years after its release, Nativity! continues to capture the hearts of audiences, a legacy its creator, Birmingham-born writer and director Debbie Isitt, finds “amazing.”
The Christmas musical comedy, filmed largely in Coventry, follows the story of a primary school teacher whose fib about Hollywood producers attending his nativity play spirals hilariously out of control.
Isitt, who hails from Harborne, credits the film’s enduring popularity to its accessibility on platforms like Netflix and frequent airings on the BBC.
“It just seems to find a new audience every year,” she shared, noting that it has become a seasonal staple for many families.
The inspiration for the film came during her own experience watching her daughter’s school nativity.
“The children were just hilarious,” Isitt recalled. “I thought, this could make a really good film.”
The movie features Martin Freeman as Paul Maddens, a grumpy yet endearing teacher, but its true charm lies in the performances of the schoolchildren.
To keep the film authentic, Isitt cast ordinary primary school kids, allowing them to improvise during unscripted audition scenes.
“I didn’t want them to learn lines or act; I wanted life to imitate art,” she explained.
Some children were so immersed they believed Freeman was their actual teacher, affectionately calling him “Mr. Maddens.”
The success of Nativity! led to three sequels and a stage musical, all written and directed by Isitt.
While she cherishes the entire franchise, the original film holds a special place in her heart.
“I love them all, but I think the original will always be close to me,” she said.
As Nativity! continues to bring joy to new generations, its legacy as a festive favorite remains firmly intact.
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