A popular Basingstoke amateur theatre group will be staging Nativity! The Musical.

The feel-good family show will be presented by Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) at The Haymarket.

Based on the hit film, the story follows the pupils and teachers at St. Bernadette's Primary School as they stage their own musical nativity.

The plot takes a turn when Mr Maddens, in a bid to outdo an old drama school rival, falsely claims he has secured a Hollywood producer to see the show and turn it into a film.

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The show promises plenty of humour, festive spirit and a lot of "sparkle and shine" as the characters work to make everyone's Christmas wish come true.

The musical features 40 young talents, divided into two groups of 20, each performing in three of the six scheduled shows.

Craig Saunders takes the role of Paul Maddens, with Harrison Crangle as his arch-nemesis Gordon Shakespeare, and Anna Neary as his former girlfriend Jennifer.

Adrien Nortier will portray the "crazy" Mr Poppy, while Alex Stores plays headteacher Mrs Bevan.

The production is directed by Carly Thompson, with Simon Eastwood as the musical director.

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BATS is also planning a relaxed charity performance on Tuesday, November 26, sponsored by Lavazza.

The show is receiving principal support from the Greenham Trust and Hampshire County councillors Arun Mummalaneni, Elaine Still, Jacky Tustain, Juliet Henderson, Kim Taylor and Stephen Reid, along with support from Paul and Sandra Miller.

The performances of Nativity! The Musical are scheduled from Wednesday, November 27, to Saturday, November 30, at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Anvil Arts website, by calling 01256 844244, or by visiting the Anvil box office.

Founded in 1958, BATS is a self-funded, not-for-profit amateur theatrical group that is run by volunteers who share a passion for musical theatre – whether on-stage or working behind the scenes.

The society does not receive any form of ongoing financial support to fund the cost of staging productions or subsidise running costs.

It relies on the ticket sales and programme sales from its strong following of loyal audience members from Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.