As Christmas Day draws near, viewers across the UK are compiling their must-watch festive film lists, and for many, the Coventry-shot favourites Nativity and its sequel are essential viewing. These family comedies have cemented their status as seasonal staples, blending heartwarming stories with a memorable cast of both established stars and adorable children.
Your Guide to Streaming the Festive Favourites
The original 2009 film, Nativity!, stars Martin Freeman as primary school teacher Paul Maddens. Tasked with producing his school's annual nativity play, his job becomes infinitely more chaotic with the arrival of enthusiastic but disruptive teaching assistant Mr Poppy, played by Marc Wootton. The situation escalates when Paul falsely claims a Hollywood producer will be turning their humble school play into a major film.
Fans eager to revisit this comedy are in luck. Nativity! is currently available to stream on Netflix, where it has been holding a strong position as one of the platform's most-watched films. Alternatively, viewers can catch it for free on BBC iPlayer.
The 2012 sequel, Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger, sees Doctor Who star David Tennant take the lead as the anxious teacher Mr Peterson. He, the children of St Bernadette's, and the ever-present Mr Poppy embark on a road trip to Wales for a national Christmas song competition, where plans inevitably go awry.
While not on Netflix, the sequel can be accessed through other services. You can watch Nativity 2 on Sky Go and the NOW streaming service. It is also available to rent or purchase via Prime Video.
The Coventry and Midlands Backdrop
Both films are deeply connected to the West Midlands, with the first movie shot extensively in and around Coventry. The fictional St Bernadette's School was portrayed by the city's Holy Family Primary School. Other key local locations included Bablake Junior School, which stood in for rival Oakmoor School, and the iconic Coventry Cathedral. Some scenes were also filmed in California to represent the Hollywood storyline.
Nativity 2 expanded its filming footprint to showcase other picturesque locations. These included Warwick Castle, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and several Welsh spots such as Lake Vyrnwy and the Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall.
Star-Studded Casts Bring the Cheer
The first film assembled a brilliant ensemble around Martin Freeman. The cast featured Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr, Jason Watkins from Trollied, Ashley Jensen of Shetland fame, and Ricky Tomlinson from The Royle Family.
For the sequel, David Tennant was joined by a host of other celebrated actors. Jessica Hynes from Twenty Twelve and Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey appeared, while Marc Wootton reprised his beloved role as the chaotic Mr Poppy.
With Christmas fast approaching, these Coventry-born comedies offer perfect festive entertainment for the whole family, readily available across the UK's most popular streaming platforms.
