Nativity! at 15: What a modern Christmas classic means to Coventry

As we settle down on our sofas this Christmas, Baileys in hand, festive crowns sliding off our heads, many of us will no doubt look for a festive classic to enjoy on the small screen. Some will shed a tear at a betrayed Emma Thompson in Love Actually, a few will reignite the immortal debate as to whether Die Hard really is a Christmas film (it is), but many will choose the sparkly pocket of joy that is the story about one Coventry primary school’s attempts to put on a nativity play in front of Hollywood…

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, it’s safe to say Nativity! has become a certified Christmas classic. Its reflection of the excitement and anticipation we all remember feeling in the run up to Christmas at primary school has given it a special place in the hearts of many, none more so than the residents of the city the film is set in, Coventry.

The city plays an important role in the film, with notable landmarks like its iconic cathedral serving as the backdrop for the epic, all-singing, all-dancing finale. But Nativity! forefronts the city and its people in ways which are not just aesthetic.

The Coventry community were also tasked with the challenge of creating a festive atmosphere in the city whilst shooting was taking place in August, decorating their streets to provide a suitable backdrop of Christmas cheer

Writer and director Debbie Isitt, born in Birmingham and a graduate from Coventry University, wanted to ensure the film celebrated the city in a variety of ways. Speaking ahead of Coventry being named UK City of Culture in 2021, Isitt explained her decision to set the film in the city, noting how “all the producers assumed I would be filming in London… But there was never any question for me. I didn’t choose Coventry – Coventry had chosen me. I wanted the film to feel authentic, and I believed the city of Coventry and its children had enormous untapped potential. By turning Coventry into my own personal film set, I was hoping to put the city on the cinematic map.”

The fictional St Bernadette’s Primary School is a real primary school in Coventry, and the film made use of the real staff and children, who appear as extras in a selection of scenes, with the main cast of children also chosen from other Coventry primary schools. Such a decision was one which certainly paid off for Isitt, shining through in the sense of heart and authenticity of the film, which makes it a must-watch every festive season. For instance, the beloved ‘audition sequence’ of the film involved the children coming up with their own audition routines, becoming a true-to-life reflection of the uniqueness, humour and joy within Coventry which Isitt was trying to shine a light on. Speaking with BBC News, Grainee Griffiths, headteacher of Holy Family Primary School – the school used as St Bernadette’s in Nativity!, described the film’s impact, detailing how “Everybody knows somebody who was in at least one of the films in Coventry and that’s what’s so special about it.”

Debbie’s efforts to promote creative talent in the West Midlands earned her an honorary doctorate awarded to her by Warwick University in 2023, a testament to the impact of her work and dedication to uplift local talent

The Coventry community were also tasked with the challenge of creating a festive atmosphere in the city whilst shooting was taking place in August, decorating their streets to provide a suitable backdrop of Christmas cheer. Scenes take place in real Coventry locations like the office of The Coventry Evening Telegraph and the University Hospital, whilst residents also offered up their homes for filming domestic scenes with Paul and his dog Cracker. In fact, Isitt found the contribution of the community to be so profound, she honoured them by hosting the film’s premiere at Odeon Coventry as opposed to Leicester Square, describing it as “one big party for our town.”

It’s safe to say that through Nativity!, the three films which followed it and the adapted stage musical, the city was well and truly placed on the cinematic map

The commitment to hold Coventry at the centre of the film in every respect was also one which extended to post-production, with the editing, composing and recording of songs all completed in the city as well. In its casting, location and production, the film places the Coventry community and its talent at its heart. Debbie’s efforts to promote creative talent in the West Midlands earned her an honorary doctorate awarded to her by Warwick University in 2023, a testament to the impact of her work and dedication to uplift local talent.

Whilst Coventry may have some way to go to becoming the next Hollywood, it’s safe to say that through Nativity!, the three films which followed it and the adapted stage musical, the city was well and truly placed on the cinematic map. The story of the film’s production comes to reflect the story of the film itself, that with self-belief and the spirit of community, one can achieve what was previously thought impossible – and that talent can often be found in the most unlikeliest of places.

The Boar Arts wishes you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!