A Different Kind of Christmas

Well, 2020 has definitely been a very different kind of year! Covid-19 has brought theatre, especially amateur theatre, to an almost complete halt for the last nine months and so it was with eager anticipation that I opened my laptop and settled down to watch CAOS Musical Productions’ “A Different Kind of Christmas”. I always look forward to this young and talented group’s productions, but I was truly blown by the way they have adapted to this year’s difficult circumstances with this innovative, top quality show.

The programme was well chosen - an enjoyable mixture of well-known Christmas favourites and other songs and show numbers, most unfamiliar to me - a very refreshing change. A wide range of emotions and styles were presented. Quiet numbers like “A Different Kind of Christmas” – so emotional and atmospheric being filmed in the rain; “Mary Did You Know” a powerful blend of voices with the added magic of being filmed at night by candlelight; and “Watch What Happens” – beautifully delivered with perfect diction. There were big, upbeat pieces too: the opening “White Christmas” and the finale: “Step into Christmas” – and great humour: “Little Girls” by Laura, and “Too Much” with the boys dressed up as Spice Girls! I wish I could mention them all, but Christmas is only four days away – each was well presented and beautifully performed.

Every number had clearly been well thought out, with choreography, rehearsal, location and filming requirements to the forefront. Scheduling rehearsals and filming must have been a real headache, with constantly changing Covid restrictions and unpredictable weather to contend with, but what a result!

Numerous picturesque locations in and around Chichester were exploited along with the group’s normal rehearsal hall and cast members’ homes. Most numbers were filmed in more than one location and the video sequences skilfully mixed together with lip-sync masterfully maintained – I dread to think how many takes must have been required. Along with innovative choreography and the undoubted singing skills of the cast, including the youngsters, our interest was held throughout, and I could only marvel at the talent on display.

The individual pieces were knitted together with introductory titles between them and the wonderfully droll Ryan and Ben providing extra information along the way, somehow maintaining a conversation with each other even though they were recorded in different locations!

Musical Director Adam Fox achieved a very consistent sound quality throughout with totally appropriate backing tracks, while Bee Anderson’s choreography amazed, despite the unusual locations and conditions you worked under. Surely the highest praise must go to Dan Farmiloe for the video production. What amazing skills you have sir! You achieved utterly professional results under what must have been exceedingly difficult circumstances.

Well done! What a fabulous show – I wish you could have heard my applause! So professionally planned, performed, and recorded. It was really exciting to watch and gave a much-needed lift to my spirits. You are such a multi-talented group and I look forward to seeing more next year.

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