Review: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, Town and Gown Theatre Cambridge
Directed by Karl Steele at the Town & Gown in Cambridge, the classic tale of Miracle on 34th Street is bought to life as a radio play.
The show tells of Kris Kringle’s trial to prove he is the real Santa Claus, touching the lives of Susan Walker and Fred Gailey on the way and making Doris Walker believe once again.
The festive tale is smattered with some wonderful renditions of Christmas carols such as ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and a very jolly ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’. The actors’ voices are all wonderful and to make it feel like a real radio play, we are treated to Jingles of the time such as Gimbles and Camel Cigarettes. Everything feels dated in a good way and is expertly executed, in voice and production values.
The style of play itself takes some adapting to as an audience member, as you lose the magic of sound effects and scene changes but once settled in, you can see just how difficult it is to pull off a play like this in such an exceptional way.
Anton Tweedale deserves a special mention for his wonderful characterisation of several parts and his one-man version of duet ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ is hilarious. He makes an effort to change his vocal range and accent for each different part he plays, and it is very effective.
We truly believe we witnessed Santa on stage last night, such was the conviction of Kerry Frater as Kris Kringle, right down to his ‘whiskers’.
The actors never once break character, even at the intermission, and act as if they have a break from being on air, which is wonderful for the immersive-ness of the performance.
The star of the show though is Cambridge local Amalie Ham as Susan Walker. She has such an inflection in her voice which highlights her comedic lines and is very reminiscent of Mara Wilson in the 1990s film. She owns the room even when she is sat on her chair waiting for it to be her turn again and her solo song is just lovely. She will go far if she chooses to.
This festive show is a marvel to behold - a wonderful festive night out for all.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Emma Rooney
Miracle on 34th Street plays at the Town and Gown Theatre until 24 December, with tickets available here.