This spirited comedy from writer/director Debbie Isitt (Confetti) revolves around a Coventry teacher who creates a sensation when word leaks out that a Hollywood movie company is coming to film his primary school's nativity play. Unfortunately for Martin Freeman's Mr Maddens, the rumour isn't true. Freeman's practised delivery of much-hassled decency provides a sturdy anchor for this family farce that rather stumbles its way through a predictable triumph-of-the-underdog plot, but cajoles splendid turns from seasoned professionals and school-aged talent alike. Pam Ferris, for instance, is splendid as the stern headmistress with the softest of hearts, while Marc Wootton sparkles as the man-child teaching assistant Mr Poppy. However, the grown-ups are pretty much overshadowed by the youthful cast of the nativity play itself, who are so natural on camera that you can't help but smile.

Paul, charged with directing his school's Nativity play, falsely boasts that his ex-girlfriend plans to turn the production into a film.