Nativity! (Cert U, 105 mins)
Stars: Martin Freeman, Ashley Jensen, Pam Ferris, Alan Carr, Marc Wootton, John Sessions, Rhydian Jones, Ricky Tomlinson Directed by Debbie Isitt
Rating: 4/5

CHRISTMAS comes early, courtesy of British director Debbie Isitt (Nasty Neighbours, Confetti) and her comedy about the preparations for a primary school Nativity play.

Shot without a script, Nativity! is a feel-absolutely-wonderful treat steeped in festive cheer that delivers tidings of comfort and boundless joy for the entire family.

The central character’s redemption echoes George Bailey in the classic It’s A Wonderful Life and a supporting cast of inexperienced child actors is irresistibly cute and cheeky without ever being precocious.

Martin Freeman essays another beleaguered loser in love, who tells one little white lie that rapidly snowballs into an avalanche of misunderstandings.

He plays the straight man throughout to Marc Wootton’s demented sidekick, a whooping force of nature who is even more hyperactive than the children in his care.

Pint-sized co-stars can barely keep a straight face as he bounds through each scene like an excitable puppy.

By the time the curtain rises on the (credibly rough around the edges) Nativity play, we’re hopelessly smitten with all of players and will them on to a standing ovation.

Isitt’s film, meanwhile, is a Christmas cracker.