Child actor from Nativity! reveals surprising truth about how it was actually filmed

Nativity!, the quintessentially British Christmas film that was released in 2009 and stars Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen, is a firm favourite for many over the festive period.

By the time Nativity! was released, Freeman was no stranger to featuring in iconic Christmas movies, having appeared in the romantic comedy Love Actually in 2003. But for many others, Nativity! was a breakout film role, including for the many child actors and actresses in the cast.

Such was the case for Jake Pratt, who appeared as Alfie, a member of Mr. Madden's class (played by Freeman).

The comedy musical follows jaded teacher Mr. Madden who is tasked with being in charge of the school's Nativity, which spirals out of control when he lies to his arch nemesis about a Hollywood executive coming to watch the production.

Speaking exclusively to Tyla, the now 28-year-old actor opened up about his time on the set of Nativity!, which he terms 'a must watch each Christmas', and unveiled a shocking detail about the filming process, which is a testament to the sheer talent of the cast.

Having been enrolled at the Sylvia Young Theatre School at the time of Nativity! being filmed and released, he looks back fondly at a number of his fellow classmates also being cast in the movie.

He adds: "It was very much a school where kids went off for film and TV shoots or musicals regularly, so there was never any different treatment."

"Naturally there was a lot of excitement when the film came out which was really nice," he continued. "I always look back at my Sylvia’s days as such brilliant ones.

"The school was such an incredibly supportive environment - and that meant that achievements felt really special and celebrated."

Jake Pratt in Nativity! (BBC Films)

While it's easy to imagine that child stars, especially those who are just starting out, will require rigorous rules to follow and a series of lines to learn, Pratt - who has since been cast in Billy Elliot the Musical and Matilda the Musical - reveals this was absolutely not the case.

Taking us for a look behind the scenes, he shared: "The filming process was incredible. There was no script and so scenes were improvised, and I think that’s what makes it so great.

"We as kids were just asked to be kids! It was a lot of fun and we had a brilliant team around us to guide us through the filming process."

When asked what it felt like to make his film debut alongside Freeman, who had made his name as a star, Pratt sings his praises.

He says: "Martin Freeman was phenomenal. [He was] such an incredible professional and a really great person to film with.

The film is simply iconic (BBC Films)

"I remember him striking a really good balance throughout, being fun and approachable, but also being able to really get his head down and get things done."

He quips: "Some people say don’t work with kids or animals - he had to work with both… and I think he nailed it!"

So, how are all of the unruly kids getting on now, and have they kept in touch?

Pratt says: "I have a fair few on Facebook and Instagram," before admitting: "It’s great to see people doing well still, but I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw one of the cast mates."

"I’d be well up for Nativity 5 the Reunion if any of the originals fancy it!", he teases.

Now that would be a Christmas miracle.