Nativity (film series)
British Christmas comedy series from St. Bernadette's.
Nativity is a British independent Christmas family comedy film series written and directed by Debbie Isitt, produced by Mirrorball Films and Nick Jones, and distributed by Entertainment One. The series follows the chaotic and heartwarming adventures of teachers and students at St. Bernadette's Primary School in Coventry, centered around their Christmas productions.
- number_of_films
- 5 released as of 2024
Lore & Background
The series began with Nativity! (2009), in which primary school teacher Paul Maddens lies to a rival about a Hollywood producer turning his nativity play into a film, leading to escalating media attention. The second film, Danger in the Manger (2012), follows anxious teacher Donald Peterson as he is persuaded by teaching assistant Mr Poppy to enter a Christmas song competition, culminating in a road trip to Wales. Dude, Where's My Donkey? (2014) features Mr Poppy and the kids entering a flashmob competition, with a subplot involving a teacher who loses his memory after being hit by a donkey. Nativity Rocks! (2018) introduces a child from an unspecified Middle Eastern country who joins St. Bernadette's and searches for his father amid another school musical. A filmed stage version, Nativity! The Musical, was released in 2022, followed by a film adaptation of the stage musical, Nativity! The Musical: The Movie, in 2024.
Reader's Guide
The Nativity film series is significant as a British independent Christmas franchise that has maintained a consistent tone of family-friendly comedy and holiday warmth. Its recurring character, the childlike teaching assistant Mr Poppy, anchors the series across multiple films. The series also spawned a stage musical adaptation of the first film, which opened at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in October 2017 and has toured the UK. Despite its popularity, the series has remained independent, with producers politely declining offers for American and Australian remakes. A fifth film set in Australia was discussed but, as of 2022, no further word had emerged.
Did You Know?
- The series was written and directed by Debbie Isitt and produced by Mirrorball Films and Nick Jones.
- A stage musical adaptation of the first film opened at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in October 2017.
- Producer Nick Jones revealed that offers for American and Australian remakes were politely declined.
- As of 2022, there had been no further word on a potential fifth film set in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the Nativity film series?
Debbie Isitt wrote and directed every installment, with production handled by Mirrorball Films and Nick Jones. The films are distributed in the UK by Entertainment One.
What is the Nativity series about?
Each film follows the staff and pupils of St. Bernadette's Primary School in Coventry as they wrestle with the mayhem of staging their annual Christmas production. The tone blends chaotic workplace comedy with warm, family-friendly storytelling.
How many Nativity films have been released?
As of 2024, five films in the series have come out, each arriving around the Christmas season. The franchise has kept a roughly annual cadence since the first instalment.
Where is the Nativity series set?
The entire franchise takes place at St. Bernadette's Primary School in Coventry, England. The school's staffroom, classrooms, and the surrounding local community form the backdrop for every story.
Why has the Nativity series become a UK Christmas tradition?
It offers British families a lighthearted, feel-good comedy that feels grounded and small-scale rather than relying on big-budget spectacle. The recurring ensemble cast and familiar setting give audiences a comforting sense of continuity each December.
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