Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS, Sheffield Crucible
Photo credit: Johan Persson
If you are looking for a festive feel-good treat to get you in the mood for Christmas, then this is definitely it! Sheffield Theatres’ production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the beautiful story of love, friendship and festive cheer in a wonderfully original way, with many charming classic songs.
The story is set in 1954 and follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis; two Broadway stars, as they meet aspiring performers; sisters Betty and Judy Haynes, and work together to stage a spectacular Christmas show to save their former Army Commander’s Vermont Inn. However, with almost as much misunderstanding as romance, it isn’t necessarily an easy task.
The thing that stands out most when watching this show is the spectacular staging. The Crucible’s stage itself is rather unique, as it is circular and can rotate in two places. The audience are seated around three sides of the stage and therefore the action must be seen from multiple angles, unlike most productions where the audience simply view the stage from the front. This production takes advantage of this unique setting and really utilises every part of the stage. The show is a visual delight with beautiful costumes, a simple set with a diverse range of moveable pieces used in different surprising ways, and spectacular dance routines. Every scene is staged perfectly to take full advantage of the stage and surroundings.
The choreography in this show definitely needs its own special mention. Choreographer Alistair David and Associate Choreographer Victoria Hinde do an amazing job of creating a range of spectacular routines that made use of the unique stage and enhanced the story beautifully. From a sparkly full-company tap number, to a gorgeous ballroom dance between Phil (Stuart Neal) and Judy (Natasha Mould) that will have you feeling like you’re watching the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
With the show being set in 1950s America, the cast do a beautiful job portraying that old Hollywood glitz and glamour, right down to their speaking and singing voices which sound like that old transatlantic accent that you will recognise from classic films (thanks, of course, to their dialect coach Charmian Hoare). Grace Mouat as Betty has a beautiful classic number along with George Blagden as Bob in the second act that oozes Hollywood glamour, thanks both to costume and staging, as well as flawless vocals.
All characters are played beautifully by their actors. The two main pairs have wonderful chemistry, both with their romantic interest and best friend/sister. Sandra Marvin plays Martha; the headstrong manager of the inn brilliantly, alongside Ewan Cummins as inn owner and former Army man Hank Waverly. The adorable character of ten-year-old Susan adds some childlike Christmas wonder and the rest of the cast play a joyous array of different characters throughout the show, including Bob and Phil’s team of showbiz performers. There are also some wonderful comedic characters, including the stressed-out director played by Charlie Booker, Ezekiel, the strange man who works in the barn played by Craig Armstrong, and giggly Rita and Rhoda played by Megan Armstrong and D’Mia Lindsay-Walker.
This show is an absolute joy that will have you smiling from start to finish, and will definitely leave you feeling festive and full of Christmas cheer…and, of course, dreaming of a white Christmas!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Romy Morgan
White Christmas plays at Sheffield Crucible until 13 January 2024, with further information here.