“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know” takes on a new meaning with Irving Berlin’s joyful White Christmas at the Crucible. The show is a charming ode to the Golden Age of Hollywood and a celebration of showmanship.

Based on the 1954 classic festive film of the same name, White Christmas follows ex-soldiers turned showbiz duo Bob (George Blagden) and Phil (Stuart Neal) as they meet, and subsequently fall head over heels for, sisters Betty (Grace Mouat) and Judy (Natasha Mould), signing them as their newest act.

With the promise of snow and success, they head to perform at a remote ski resort, where they find an unseasonable lack of snow and some faces from the past.

Despite a generous run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, the show manages to keep the pace throughout. From the high-energy tap dancing routines atop a grand piano to elaborate costumes and spell-binding sets that transform seamlessly, it whisks us through 50s America.

The entire cast shines with charming, effortlessly funny performances. But it's Stuart Neal as cheeky chappy Phil who is the true jewel in the show’s crown. He’s note perfect from the first scene to the last, with his performance eerily reminiscent of the Hollywood greats but never crossing the line into imitation.

Sandra Marvin as the larger-than-life resort manager Martha is another standout. She steals each and every scene with her comedic timing and a vocal ability that every musical fan deserves to hear at least once.

Christmas tends to bring even the most sporadic theatre goers out of hibernation, and White Christmas over-delivers with a wonderful display of how powerful, visually stunning and spellbinding theatre can be.

Earning a well deserved standing ovation, you’re guaranteed to leave with tingling hands from the constant applause. And one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever made stuck in your head until Boxing Day.

• Words by
• Armarni Lane Turton

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