White Christmas

Christmas joy sprang eternal at The Crucible this week as White Christmas cascaded down upon Sheffield like a soothing blanket of fresh glistening snow. Fresh in its simplicity, the production is an adaptation of the 1954 musical film of the same name. Long since established as a Christmas classic in its own right, this 2023 rendition of White Christmas feels every bit as traditional and homely as the original and instantly transports and encapsulates the audience into Irving Berlin’s version of 1950’s America. Director Paul Foster has done a masterful job of avoiding the temptation to modernise the production and has delivered a truly faithful preservation of this timeless Christmas tale.

Based on the story of Bob and Phil (George Blagden and Stuart Neil respectively), two former soldiers turned showbiz superstars, White Christmas is an immersive, loving dive into post World War two America and the hopes and dreams that were inhabited and born out of the promise of 1950’s show business. As the pair inadvertently land at the winter lodge owned by their former army commander general Waverley, they realise that all has not been as it seems. With the help of a pair of dazzling singing sisters, Betty and Judy (Grace Mouat and Natasha Mould respectively), Bob and Phil take it upon themselves to help turn their old general and his dearest lodge’s fortunes and finances around by staging a Broadway style song and dance revue. What follows is a vibrant, playful journey back in time soundtracked by one of the founding fathers of the classic American songbook, Irving Berlin.

The music is lovingly and gracefully performed by a stupendous live band that really goes a long way towards bringing these timeless songs to life. Full of bombast, enthusiasm, style, class and swagger, these songs light up the narratives within the performance and allow each cast and ensemble member to shine. It’s hard not be dazzled as each cast member takes a turn at inhabiting one of Berlin’s classic compositions. One such particular highlight is George Blagden, of Vikings and Versailles fame, delivering an absolutely rousing and showstopping rendition of the seminal ‘Blue Skies’. George’s effusive and effervescent embodiment of Bob Wallace throughout the production is made all the more impressive when paired with his effortlessly, engrossing singing voice and the impressive ability to sing and dance seamlessly and simultaneously, all without missing a beat or losing a single breath. Performing as the lodge’s overlooked concierge Martha, Sandra Marvin absolutely floors the audience with an incredibly drivingly dynamic and flawlessly bombastic singing voice. Combining these stunning voices with a fantastic ensemble, the spirited band and the time-tested songs of Irving Berlin really is a match made in a winter wonderland.

Ending in a standing ovation, White Christmas shimmered, shined and rained pure happiness on its audience as it left them feeling as toasty and cosy as a warm blanket and a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winters evening. Escape the cold, wrap yourself warm in the Christmas spirit and catch White Christmas at The Crucible in Sheffield this holiday season. Performances run up until Saturday 13th January.

Photo credit: Johan Persson