By Irving Berlin
Director: David Morgan
Reviewer: Iris Beaumont
White Christmas is filled with so many fantastic numbers by Irving Berlin including Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas and a snow scene which leaves you feeling warm throughout, you can’t help but be engrossed from the start.
It is war torn Europe, Christmas Eve 1944, three soldiers are trying their utmost to raise moral and bring a little laughter into the hearts of the troops they are stationed with, when a flying visit by their General (Roy Dotrice) to wish them all a Happy Christmas comments on wondering what they will be doing in ten years time we are sent forward in time to 1954.
Bob Wallace (Aled Jones) and Phil Davies (Adam Cooper) are busy working as a double act, singing and dancing their way across America playing in many of the local theatres, where upon chance they meet Judy (Suzanne Shaw) and Betty (Rachel Stanley,) otherwise known as the Haynes sisters.
Phil is swept off his feet in love and decides by hook or crook to follow the Sisters all the way to Vermont, tricking Bob to go along with the promise of Snow – only to find when they get there it’s not as white as they had hoped and the Hotel they are booked in is ran by their old General, with the hotel close to closing a plan hatches into place and the show really begins to move.
With stunning set and costume designs, that literally take your breath away by Anna Louizos, you are already whisked away in this lavish and engrossing production and with direction by David Morgan things are kept full of pace throughout with some extra splashes of Christmas sentimentality and comic moments splashed in for good measure.
Excellent performances are given by all the cast and one really couldn’t find fault with any of them, but Louise Plowright as Martha the receptionist really shines out strong with her powerful and beautiful voice and Emily Fitton as the General’s Grand-Daughter couldn’t help but
touch your heart. I have had many excellent experiences of productions over the years at the Lowry and this is the show that tops them all. White Christmas really lifts your heart and gets you ready for the festive season that lies ahead, a show for all the family, if you are stuck for present ideas this Christmas why not buy your loved ones tickets for this show, which is guaranteed to make an impact for years to come!
Photos: Alastair Muir
Runs until Sat 9th Jan 2010
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