White Christmas

The exterior of The Playhouse, all lit up with Christmas lights defining a Christmas tree, looked very welcoming when I came to see your show last week, and I was greeted warmly by Susie and June.

James has written a wonderfully comprehensive history of ‘White Christmas’ in his Chairman’s Message – there is nothing I can add to it.

This was the first time I have seen the musical but I was familiar with the rather chequered journey of the titular song before its eventual inclusion in the show.

It certainly must have been strange for the cast to be ‘dreaming of a white Christmas’ for the past few months but it was definitely the perfect song for a cold November evening and the anticipation of the festive season ahead.

The show abounds with well known songs by Irving Berlin and provided an entertaining evening with it’s colourful and varied costumes, endless enthusiasm from the cast, great choreography and amazingly a whole company who can tap dance!

Sue gave an outstanding performance as Martha Watson. Her stage presence and experience is unrivalled.

Another excellent performance was from Jenny in the role of Betty Haynes - her acting and singing were faultless and the scene with Bob when they sang ‘How Deep is the Ocean’ was notable.

As Judy, sister to Betty, Samantha Finch’s character was a good foil to her sister’s, and the girls displayed their different characters convincingly. Sam’s singing was strong. Their rendition of ‘Sisters’ and use of fans in the number was impeccable.

‘Falling Out of Love’ was super.

The vocal strength in the production was without doubt in the three ladies.

The two lead roles were played by Will Parsons (Bob) and Mark Turville (Phil) and they did well. It wasn’t always as easy to hear Will as it was to hear Mark in the duets – maybe the sound department could have increased the volume on his mike? Both men have pleasant singing voices and their acting was good – their repeat of ‘Sisters’ complete with fans was great.

Martin was suitably authoritarian as General Henry Waverly and in the opening scene looked every inch the part in his smart uniform. Later we saw the benevolent Grandad and he gave a commendable performance -- even without any singing or dancing! 

I’m not sure which of the girls played Susan the evening that I attended but I think it was probably Ruby.  She was confident and sang well.

There was lots of involvement for the company who all looked as though they were thoroughly enjoying themselves on stage. The various small roles were noted and they all added to the overall presentation of the musical.

The opening, set in front of the tabs was rather stark but once the well-designed set pieces made an appearance, I believe in scene five, then the stage became visually more interesting. Properties were suitable and lighting and sound departments worked well.

Costumes were plentiful - some very nicely colour co-ordinated ones; the black and white in ‘Piano’, the blue and white in ‘Blue Skies’. The full skirted 50s' ones were great (although there were some rather longer than they ought to have been - and in contrast Sue’s was very short!)

The choreography was praiseworthy and as previously mentioned the tap routine was terrific. Meg Beard made an impression in her debut as choreographer. WWAOS are always well-rehearsed in their dance routines but the tap routine must have been a real challenge to those members not considered natural dancers. Congratulations to everyone involved in it.

James’s stage direction was very good and Dick’s band were first rate and beautifully controlled.

Your programme is nicely presented, easy to negotiate and interesting to read.

Thank you so much for inviting me to see ‘White Christmas’ – it was an enjoyable evening’s entertainment and the audience participation in the finale was exactly right.  It’s one of those songs that everyone knows and loves to sing, and I’m sure we all left the theatre feeling that Christmas is just around the corner.

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