Casting news for Nativity! The Musical

Initial casting has just been announced for the world premiere of Birmingham Rep's production of Nativity! The Musical.

Daniel Boys (The Boys in the Band) will star as teacher Paul Maddens with  Sarah Earnshaw (Wicked) as his girlfriend Jennifer Lore and Simon Lipkin (Avenue Q) as the eccentric Mr Poppy.

They will be joined by Andy Barke, Jamie Chapman, Jemma Churchill, Gary Davis and Katia Sartini with full casting to be  announced soon.

Daniel Boys most recently appeared in “The Boys in the Band” at the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre. His other West End credits include “Avenue Q” at both the Gielgud and Noel Coward Theatres, “Sweeney Todd” at the Royal Festival Hall, “Grease” at the Victoria Palace, “Spamalot” at the Playhouse and “Rent” at the Prince of Wales. Daniel was also a contestant on the BBC’s “Any Dream Will Do”.

Sarah Earnshaw was in the original London cast of “Wicked” at the Apollo Victoria playing the leading role of ‘Glinda’ on many occasions. Her other West End credits include “Scrooge” at the London Palladium and “Spamalot” at the Playhouse. Sarah has also appeared in “Travels With My Aunt” at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Simon Lipkin played ‘Nicky’ and ‘Trekkie Monster’ in the original London cast of “Avenue Q” at the Noel Coward Theatre and was most recently seen in the West End as ‘Nathan Detroit’ in “Guys and Dolls” at the Phoenix Theatre. His other West End credits include ‘Lonny’ in the original London cast of “Rock of Ages”, ‘Barlow’ in “I Can’t Sing” at the London Palladium, the title role in “The Lorax” at the Old Vic Theatre and “Assassins” at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

The musical, written and directed by Debbie Isitt with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Isitt, is based on the Nativity Isitt's film series which starred Martin Freeman. The plot follows teacher Mr Maddens and his assistant Mr Poppy who decide to mount a musical version of the nativity.

The show will open at Birmingham Rep before heading to Southend (15 to 19 November), Sheffield (22 to 25 November) Manchester (29 November to 3 December), Plymouth (6 to 10 December), London (13 to 17 December) and Leeds (20 December to 6 January).