Nativity!

Nativity!

Year: 2009

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Debbie Isitt

ComedyFamily

This show needs a miracle. Paul, charged with directing his school’s Nativity play, falsely boasts that his ex-girlfriend plans to turn the production into a film.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Nativity! (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Nativity! (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present-day, late 2000s

The events unfold in contemporary Britain during Christmas. The nativity play becomes a focal point for the school, media attention, and local pride. The timeframe places the story in the late 2000s and reflects a modern, small-town British setting.

Location

Coventry Cathedral ruins, St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Oakmoor

Set in Coventry, the story follows St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School as it competes with Oakmoor. The Coventry Cathedral ruins provide a dramatic, public venue for the nativity, highlighting the city’s history and community spirit. The working-class backdrop of Coventry shapes the characters' ambitions and the stakes of the school’s performance.

🎄 Christmas 🏫 School 🏛️ Cathedral 🌆 Coventry

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:40

Main Characters – Nativity! (2009)

Meet the key characters of Nativity! (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Maddens (Martin Freeman)

A miserable, jaded teacher at St. Bernadette's who once dreamed of a career in musical theatre. He hates Christmas after his girlfriend left him at Christmas and grows cynical about success. He lies about a Hollywood connection to salvage his reputation, only to see the lie grow beyond his control.

🎭 Flawed 🧭 Ambitious 🗣️ Nervous

Mr. Poppy (Marc Wootton)

Mrs. Bevan’s childish, exuberant nephew who works as the classroom assistant. His childlike optimism and energy spark the kids’ enthusiasm and help carry the nativity effort. He eagerly spreads the lie, not fully grasping the consequences but wanting to help.

🎈 Playful 🧸 Innocent 🫶 Encouraging

Gordon Shakespeare (Jason Watkins)

The rival drama school impresario who runs Oakmoor’s nativity. Confident and competitive, he embodies the pressure to win the annual competition. His presence pushes Maddens to stretch the St Bernadette’s performance, even as deception threatens to backfire.

🏆 Competitive 🗯️ Brash 🧭 Confident

Jennifer Lore (Ashley Jensen)

Secretary to a Hollywood film producer, she represents the dream of fame that Maddens clings to. Maddens travels to America to persuade her to visit, only to discover she’s not who he imagines. Her eventual appearance confirms the real drama is about believing in the kids, not the myth.

🎬 Dreamer 🗺️ Practical 🧭 Cautious

Mrs. Bevan (Pam Ferris)

The headteacher who assigns Maddens the nativity and ultimately challenges him when the truth comes out. She is pragmatic and focused on safeguarding the school's reputation. Her stance shifts as she sees the children’s talents emerging, leading to a reluctant, hopeful pivot.

👩‍🏫 Authoritative 🧭 Pragmatic

Mayor

The local figure who offers to stage the nativity in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, showing support for the community’s efforts. He embodies civic pride and the willingness to back culture and education. His involvement helps turn a school project into a city-wide celebration.

🏛️ Supportive 🗣️ Community-spirited

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:40

Major Themes – Nativity! (2009)

Explore the central themes of Nativity! (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📰 Deception

A lie about a Hollywood connection snowballs into a media frenzy. The film examines how rumours can distort reality when amplified by expectations of success. Maddens's fabrications test trust among staff, parents, and pupils, raising questions about honesty and consequence.

🎭 Performance

The nativity becomes a stage for creativity and personal growth, not just a contest. The children’s talents shine through in the face of doubt, aided by Mr. Poppy’s infectious optimism. The story shows that effort and heart can outshine raw polish.

🤝 Community

Parents, teachers, and local figures rally around the pupils, turning a potential failure into a communal victory. Rivalries soften as the community comes together to support the show. The film celebrates collective effort and shared pride in children’s achievements.

🏛️ Tradition vs Modernity

The St Bernadette’s vs Oakmoor rivalry highlights class and tradition in a modern setting. The cathedral venue bridges old ritual with contemporary media interest, testing how tradition adapts to hype. The ending suggests that genuine talent and community spirit can redefine what counts as a successful tradition.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:40

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Nativity! Summary

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Nativity! Summary

Nativity! Timeline

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Nativity! Timeline

Nativity! Spoiler-Free Summary

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Nativity! Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Nativity!

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