White Christmas

It’s Chriiiiissssstmassssss!!  Ok so I’m not that person who is prepared with all the presents bought, wrapped and hidden – I don’t even have a list!  My tree isn’t up and there isn’t a mince pie in sight but hold on to your holly and your ivy because all of that is about to change!  White Christmas has totally given me a kick in the baubles (if I had any) to get myself into the Christmas spirit, mood and festivities.  I had the best night out I didn’t even realise I needed.

With music by Irving Berlin, this production is already on to a winner as we follow the storyline of two army pals Phil Davis and Bob Wallace.  Wallace and Davis have entertainment in their genes and after keeping up the spirits of their troops, they intend to do the same for the nation by resuming their infamous double act when the war ends.  They tour the country with a song and a dance, appearing on the likes of the Ed Sullivan show.  The army and their comrades are never far from their mind though so when they receive a letter from Freckled Faced Frankie suggesting they check out the Haynes sisters act, off they trot.  There are immediate sparks between Phil and Judy and Bob and Betty, though Bob and Betty have a harder time admitting it.  Through Frankie and the sisters, Wallace and Davis learn that their old army Commander General Waverly’s country retreat is in real financial trouble.  Of course, there is only one thing for it – a musical extravaganza to bring the customers in and to keep the spirit of love, friendship and Christmas alive.  White Christmas is like a Christmas stocking bursting with every gift you could possibly want from a festive musical.  It may even have brought a sentimental tear or two to my eyes.

Many of you will know and love the film White Christmas in which we see Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye croon their way through the wonderful numbers and whilst it will always be a Christmas favourite (you can’t knock the Bing) there is something magical about witnessing the energy, talent and passion of this cast as it happens live right before you.  It was truly a magical evening and the show makes sure that everyone in attendance will indeed have a White Christmas of their own.

Dan Burton (Mousetrap, Top Hat, 42^nd Street, Gypsy – for which he won an Olivier award, Singin’ In The Rain…the list goes on) plays Phil Davis.  Not only can he belt out a number but his dancing is as smooth and sophisticated as Fred Astaire himself.  He is truly mesmerising to watch for he makes exhausting dance routines look as effortless as if he’s just gone to make a brew!

Matthew Jeans (Funny Girl, Joseph, Singin’ in the rain, Les Mis) has some beautiful songs to sing, such as Count your blessings instead of sheep in which his voice envelops you as if you’re wrapped in a cosy blanket infront of a crackling fire.  His performance of Bob Wallace as a man who has an inner struggle of wanting a family and love but who finds it hard to open his heart is touching to watch, and not rushed at all.  His little nuances such as his fake stop dead laugh to portray his barriers against love, contrasting against his tenderness with the general’s granddaughter are really moving.  I think I may even subscribe to the Bob Wallace method of falling asleep.

“When you’re worried and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep.”

Judy Haynes is brought to life by Emily Langham (Carousel, Oklahoma, West Side Story – and Judy was awarded the Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship for her training).  She plays the era of this musical to perfection, her style, her charisma and her smile are engaging throughout, with enough feistiness to stand up to the ever roaming Phil.  Fantastic all round performer.

Playing her delightful sister Betty Haynes is Jessica Daley (Evita, An Officer & A Gentleman, Grease, Mamma Mia, Finalist in Over The Rainbow for the BBC) and wow what a voice!  We are treated to a showcase of her sultry tones in act two when she has left Bob heartbroken to do a solo gig and sings from the pit of her emotional soul “Love, you didn’t do right by me.”  It was a powerful and honest moment delivered against a generally lighter storyline and really drew me in.  I thought Daley and Jeans truly played well against each other and to me they felt like the core of the whole show.

Duncan Smith (Fame, Sweeny Todd, The Sound Of Music, Phantom Of The Opera, Anything Goes – but to name a few) is strong as Commander Waverly, with emotional speeches, strong army discipline and a beautifully portrayed struggle that many face when leaving a life in the army for civilian life.  He felt like a very safe pair of hands and I mean that as a compliment.  I truly believed he was a retired Commander, and when his troops spoke of the things he did for them and the lives he saved, I thought – yeah – I can see that, then had to shake my head and remember he was an actor.

Sally Ann Triplett (Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Mamma Mia, and basically everything else, but HUGE kudos and respect for playing Miss Berta in Acorn Antiques by the phenomenal Victoria Wood).  When Triplett is first seen on stage as Martha Watson (the Commanders hotel manager) I thought the part had been shrunk down from the film.  I am pleased to say it absolutely has not and they were just teasing us before they unleashed the genius talent that is Sally Ann Triplett It is no wonder her credits are never ending for I can truly see her in just about every role going.  She is strong, sensitive, showbiz, gentle, jazz handy and tender.  Her rendition of “I’m Happy” made me happy and took me down many a memorable memory lane with a little shimmy along the way.

I was excited to recognise Philip Bertioli in the cast as Ralph Sheldrake.  I had the pleasure of watching Bertioli in 4nd Street as Billy Lawlor in the West End and again when it was shown during lockdown via The Show Must Go On platform.  This is one talented young actor and boy can he dance.  It was a shame his role in White Christmas didn’t allow him to showcase this more as he always seemed to be near the back of the formations.

This cast is strong with 26 members so unfortunately I can’t list them all else we’d be here till next Christmas, but I will say that is no reflection on their ability because this cast is a true ensemble and I’m sure you could put them all in Santa’s sack, mix them up, and pick them out in any order to play any part and you would still have an absolutely fantastic show.

The cast are of course backed up by an outstanding creative team, with director Ian Talbot, Choreographer Stephen Mear, MD Neil Macdonald, set Michael Taylor, lights Mark Henderson,  sound Tom Marshall and costume Naomi Ford (who I need to hunt down when I get married because I found my bridesmaid dresses during the number “The best things happen while you’re dancing.”)

White Christmas had so many songs I knew – right from the off they opened with “Happy Holidays,” which made me think of Andy Williams and his Christmas show I watch every year on reruns, putting me in the ultimate festive mood.  The whole feel of the show is wonderfully reminiscent of a by gone era, the dancing cementing the atmosphere with its gorgeous lines, sophistication and a huge dollop of the old USA model way of perfection, seen in the wide smiles, winks and clicks of all who perform.  Yes it is a little cheesy, but it’s spot on for this era and after all, everyone loves a good cheese market at Christmas!!

White Christmas is the perfect way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit, spend time with family and friends and escape all the worries and woes real life presents to us.  It makes you feel as warm and fuzzy as a hot chocolate with Baileys, a mulled wine, an eggnog (not that I know what this actually is but I know it’s a boozey Christmas tipple).  It will leave your heart bursting with nostalgia and sprinkle you with the snowy sentiment that the things which truly matter are still there and indeed have never left us.  So, should you go and see it?  Well as the character in the show Ezekiel would say………….”YUP!”


WE SCORE WHITE CHRISTMAS - 10/10