IT delivered the promised 'sparkle and shine' in spades.

But, more than that, Nativity! the Musical was a show with a real heart.

Based on the famous film franchise, this upbeat and exuberant production follows plans for a festive show in a run of the mill primary school.

Two childhood best friends have become teaching rivals, one in a deprived area of Coventry, one in a prep school nearby.

It's not going well for St Bernadette's teacher Mr Maddens until the arrival of Mr Poppy, a teaching assistant with an infectious spirit who acts just like a big kid himself.

A little fib involving an ex girlfriend and a Hollywood script sees some of the gang travel from Luton Airport to Los Angeles in an attempt to bring Hollywood to Coventry Cathedral for the night of the nativity. Of course, it's a success in the end and a Hollywood bigwig in the form of the unlikely Dani Dyer arrives by helicopter just in time to see the kids excel on stage.

The premise is utterly ludicrous, but this show is laugh out loud funny on more than one level. For the many very happy young children in the first night audience there was plenty of silliness, bum jokes, bursting out of boxes and comical rapping. Their grown ups were treated to a few jokes which went over the heads of the little ones and the odd piece of sexual innuendo.

Scott Paige, who plays Mr Poppy in the show as well as acting as a sort of narrator, is the hilarious shining star of this joyous piece, holding it together with his talented band of young charges and a very cute little dog.

The finale was rather like a rock concert with the entire audience reaching on request for the spotlights on their phones and swaying to the sounds of the memorable score.

Nativity! The Musical was funny, feel good and full of joy. I highly recommend this festive treat.

It runs at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until Saturday.