White Christmas ★★★★ The Mill at Sonning | Nov 27, 2024 - Jan 25, 2025


It's official! Christmas is here. With a traditional buffet meal and their always enjoyable holiday show, The Mill at Sonning has kicked off the season! White Christmas with its satisfyingly predictable story is all about the music and the dancing, and Director Jonathan O'Boyle does a brilliant job of taking a small stage and capturing the essence of a big film musical. The tale of two GIs who, following the war, become a famous double act, and who then team up with a pair of singing sisters to put on a show which will save the Vermont inn owned by their former commander, is as sweet as maple syrup. It certainly takes us back to a simpler, more optimistic time in America, and there's not a hint of irony anywhere. In this iteration of the classic, the cast dance up a storm with some terrific choreography from Gary Lloyd, and celebrate Irving Berlin's great song classics such as "White Christmas," "Blue Skies" and "Count Your Blessings." The costumes from Natalie Titchener are simply beautiful with a lovely historical accuracy, and Jason Denvir's cleverly versatile set makes the maximum use of the limited space available. As the ex-GIs, now television stars, Connor Hughes and Jason Kajdi both neatly play off against each other as the flip philanderer and the reluctant Romeo. Their singing and dancing is outstanding, and as Phil and Bob, they perfectly complement the sisters, Betty and Judy, played by the talented Gabriella Williams and Nic Myers. That duo's rendition of "Sisters" is absolutely charming, and Williams' "Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me" stops the show. Shirley Jameson is also terrific as the feisty receptionist, Martha. Her delivery of "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" is positively 'Mermanesque.' Act II opens with an extraordinary production number, "I Love A Piano," and our prediction is that you will love this wonderfully upbeat Christmas offering.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Pamela Raith

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When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK

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