Creator of ‘Nativity!’ Marks 15 Years Since Film’s Release

The creator of the Christmas musical comedy film, Nativity!, a writer and director originally from Birmingham, has expressed her astonishment at the enduring recognition and affection for the movie. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the film’s debut, which was primarily filmed in Coventry and tells the story of a primary school teacher who fabricates a story about prominent Hollywood figures attending his school’s nativity play. Debbie Isitt, who hails from Harborne, noted that the film continues to attract new viewers annually, in addition to serving as a cherished holiday tradition for numerous others. She explained, “Because it’s on Netflix every Christmas and on the BBC a lot, it just seems to find a new audience.” Ms Isitt revealed that the inspiration for the movie originated during her attendance at her daughter’s nativity performance. She recalled, “I thought, this could make a really good film, because the children were just hilarious.” While Martin Freeman played the role of the grumpy yet endearing teacher Paul Maddens, it is often contended that the true highlights of the film are the numerous schoolchildren who vied for roles in his nativity production. The audition sequences, depicting children competing for parts such as Mary, Joseph, singing stars, and wise men, were authentic. “I didn’t want them to learn any lines or have to act really,” Ms Isitt explained to BBC Radio WM. She further elaborated on her approach, stating, “I wanted it to be life imitating art, imitating life, so we recruited real ordinary primary school kids.” She also mentioned that some of the participating children were unaware they were part of a movie production. “They were just calling Martin Freeman ‘Mr Maddens’, they thought he was a teacher,” she recounted. Subsequent to the initial film’s triumph, Ms Isitt proceeded to write and direct three additional installments in the franchise, alongside a stage musical adaptation. “I love them all, but I think the original is probably always going to be close to my heart,” she commented. For more updates, follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.