Nativity!

(G) Hopscotch DVD

Nativity! stars Martin Freeman as Midlands primary school teacher Paul Maddens who’s been depressed since his girlfriend Jennifer (Ashley Jensen) left him five years ago at Christmas to pursue a Hollywood career.

An ex-drama school colleague has become Paul’s chief rival, thanks to the acclaimed Christmas shows he puts on as the drama teacher at a nearby posh school.

After being put in charge of the school nativity play by Headmistress Bevan (Pam Ferris), Paul claims Hollywood interest in their production — a lie that quickly spirals out of control and makes his nativity play the talk of the town.

Some superfluous scenes (a trip to LA and a visit to a maternity ward) and a slightly undercooked script will be forgiven once you see the imaginatively-staged final act of the film.

Adrian Drayton