“The Scouse Nativity plays along the same well received story when it debuted earlier, but with wittier humour and brimming with talent. A night well worthy of being described as sound.”
Pitching the nativity with a local twist to Scousers is quite a feat to take on, and this year’s edition of the Scouse Nativity does not disappoint. The original hit, released in 2017, was well received, with critics calling it the greatest story ever told. The reimagined hit follows along and fills these big shoes perfectly, retelling the familiar story with a greater injection of clever wit, humour, and exceptional musical direction.
Written by Kevin Fearon, the play centres around an unconventional take on the classic Nativity story: Mary and Joseph’s courtship, alongside a villainous King Herod, once again played by Paul Duckworth, who plots to steal the day. Aided by the motherly Angel Gabriel, played by Lindzi Germain, the couple dodges the heinous traps set up by the king, leading up to the events of Christmas.
Interjected with clever and witty jokes that reference local slang and cultural references, the humorous moments felt that bit more relatable and enjoyable. Lindzi excelled in playing a motherly Scouse angel, who’s never afraid to be quiet and affectionate, exemplifying the friendliness and warmth that Liverpool is so famous for. Parents beware, though: the jokes may have subtle undertones that might not be appropriate for younger ones.
Once again, Paul plays the baddie and showcases why he is so well suited to the role. From revelling in the boos from the audience in true villain style to his ability to display an extensive range of expressions, he had us in stitches and ever more determined in rooting for the couple.
Of course, the musical direction is not to be forgotten. What more is there to say other than that it is exceptional, with highly recognisable tunes that got us bopping and clapping along, and even brought in popular meme references from the 2010s. Lindzi and Jess Smith, who played Mary, displayed exceptional vocal range and dynamic control, as well as vocal versatility across genres. The choreography was immaculate, with unbridled emotion and character poured in by all on stage.
Overall, the Scouse Nativity promises a night of laughter and beats, and boy, does it not disappoint. It plays along the same well received story as when it debuted, but with wittier humour and brimming with talent. A superb line-up of cast members brings each character to life, imbuing them with personality and charm that got us rooting for the main characters and booing the villain. This is not one to miss, and it would truly be a shame if you did.
The Scouse Nativity is on in the Liverpool Royal Court from 13th November 2026-16th January 2027. Tickets here.