Review: THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, Thursford Steam Museum

To include the word ‘spectacular’ in your event title comes with high expectations, one which we were thrilled to confirm that Thursford Christmas Spectacular delivers on. Over two and a half hours, this Christmas story has all the grandeur and celebration we have come to love about the festive season. As you enter the auditorium, you are greeted by the warming smell of mulled wine and an explosion of colour, lights and decorations that are a pure delight on the eyes, and that’s before the performance even begins.

At its core, Thursford is a variety show; a celebration of songs, live music, dancing, comedy and some incredibly talented speciality acts, seamlessly interwoven in the most stunning ensemble performance. The highlight being that not one person is the star; the performers as a company all shine as, much like an intricate jigsaw puzzle, remove one piece and the picture is incomplete.

In some of the more intricate dance numbers, the synchronicity and trust that these dancers have in one another is exemplary. The unison in which you can tell these highly experienced performers have come together is nothing short of perfection.

The dances incorporate elements of Vegas showgirls, Irish dance, along with high energy numbers you’d be hard pushed to see executed as well in the West End. The dancers really should be applauded for their versatility and conviction of performance, which is consistently outstanding throughout.

When you couple this with vocal numbers such as ‘We Need a Little Christmas,’ ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ and ‘I Believe’, these explode out into the auditorium as the sound consumes you, making for the most exceptional of numbers. We were also left with goose bumps at times as this stunning harmonised cacophony of voices, so perfectly delivers exquisite performances such as ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’ and ‘Away In A Manger’. Again, a true testament to these sublime sounds which will stay with you.

What is most notable from Thursford is the sheer attention to detail and care that is taken, when considering every moment of this show. From the coordinated lighting changes to reflect the costumes, the transitions between performers, the careful use of all five sections of the stage to capture the full audience’s attention and the direction given to each performer to provide nothing but high energy throughout, are all of the highest standard. There really isn’t a weak link here, we found ourselves grinning from cheek to cheek as soon as the performance began.

Thursford really offers something for everyone when it comes to entertainment and festivity. There are some beautifully intricate performances, mixed with high energy numbers in equal measure. The orchestra are also at the forefront of the show in the second half, being up close and central to the audience. This provides a central focus for again another integral, perfectly executed orchestra made up of a group of people who look like they are enjoying playing as much as we enjoy watching them.

Lloyd Hollett also known as ‘The Comedy Wordsmith’ pieces the performance together, whilst also providing at times some tongue twister linguistics. There are also three outstanding speciality acts in Sven & Jan Rauhe who showcase skating acrobatics, which leaves the audience gasping at their sheer bravery and expertise; Danny Butler is the ‘Extreme Biker’ and Strahlemann & Sohne are jugglers, all of whom bring their unique skills to an already exceptional line up, only adding to this already stunning arrangement. Not forgetting Phil Kelsall on the Wurlitzer, a Thursford icon, back for his 43rd season.

To bring 130 people together on one stage and deliver such an exquisite, beautiful, entertaining, funny, emotional performance is no mean feat, yet Thursford delivered in excess. If you are looking for pure entertainment, festive feel good fun, then Thursford really is the place for you.

Simply outstanding!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Lauren Farley

Thursford Christmas Spectacular plays at Thursford Steam Museum until 23 December, with further information here.