Back after its 2020 hiatus, Thursford Christmas Spectacular has returned with its well renowned show, which attracts around 100,000 people per year.

Nestled in a quaint part of Norfolk, the Christmas Spectacular is held in the same room as the Cushing family’s collection of steam engines, fairground rides and organs, all of which add to the atmosphere, festively decorated and lit with Christmas lights.

The Wurlitzer organ takes centre stage in the first half, the fourth biggest in the world and operated by one of only two able to play it, we get a full view of how amazing this instrument is. With an orchestra led by Thomas Leate and conducted by Benjamin Ellin, the music is exceptional.

With an array of singers taking on festive hits, acrobats, jugglers, a cyr wheel and comedians, there is something for everyone in this spectacular. The skills of acrobats Delfina and Bartlomiej are particularly jaw dropping. 

With a distinctly 40’s Christmas feel to the performances, the costumes and setting are reminiscent of this with the big windows, Christmas trees and snow falling throughout is very ‘White Christmas’.

Stand out performances of the piece are ‘Christmas Can-Can’ sung by a selection of the male singers and provides comedy to the Christmas period that everyone will be familiar with. 

Full production numbers, ‘Lambeth Walk’ and ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’, end the first half in style and leave the audience wanting more. In the second half, a medley of traditional Christmas carols is haunting and beautiful. 

The dancers are wonderful, none more so than when they Irish dance to ‘Duelling Violins’ and ‘Matt & Nat’s’. All effortlessly in time, it is understandable that the most energetic piece is kept as their final hurrah!

Comedian Kev Orkian, whom some may recognise from Britain’s Got Talent, entertains and interacts with the audience wonderfully as compere and is hilarious in his performance of Elton John’s ‘Your Song’ – the scratched CD version. Not only hilarious, Orkian is also talented on the piano and plays a few times throughout the show, always to rapturous laughter and applause.

The very apt finale of ‘White Christmas ‘ featuring all of the acts cements the 1940’s feel of the entire show, providing nostalgia and prompting you to reminiscence about Christmas films and music that you hear every year and how they make you feel.

The Christmas Spectacular is a variety show that relies heavily on the Christmas nostalgia element amongst the audience, it isn’t for everyone and scrooges best not attend! Is Christmas in November too early? Not for Thursford, who have a wonderful reputation for their Christmas show and they have ensured with this year’s offering that they will have many people returning in their droves once again for an excellent show.

As an added part of the experience, you can journey through the Enchanted Journey of Light, which is extraordinarily beautiful. It is a very serene experience and is best taken in pre-show. For those with children, Thursford also have Santa of course! They have really bounced back from the disappointment of 2020 and gone above and beyond to provide all patrons with a wonderful Christmas experience.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler

Thursford Christmas Spectacular runs until 23 December, with tickets available here.