Lichfield Garrick Theatre – until Sunday 5 January 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
The New Old Friends have done it again with another feel good, smash hit production in full swing. In Christmas Present and Correct, Writer and director Feargus Woods Dunlop brings us the tale of Herbert Richards and his sister Dorothy, performer and writer, respectively, of the hit rural radio show ’The Cavalry’. All is well until the boss, Wyllis Guthrie, arrives unexpectedly, during the recording of the Christmas special, wanting to meet the cast of ‘The Cavalry’ and to make them an offer which could change the trajectory of the show forever. However, all is not what it seems. With the arrival of a stranger, the unravelling of some mysteries, the most beautiful love story and some truly hilarious moments, we have all the ingredients for a classic Christmas caper.
The stage consists of a beautifully designed radio studio with a recording booth and plexiglass. It also contains a visible recording desk with all the knobs and rotating recording tapes, wires and such. The stunning design by Heather Westwell, lighting by Tom Breakwell, sound design by Joseff Harris, and set build by Christopher Britton all combine to bring this delight to life. The small cast, consisting of the amazing Kirsty Cox, the brilliant Stuart Tavendale, the marvellous Rosie Coles and the sublime Mark Collier, work tirelessly and effortlessly to keep the narrative flowing. With nonstop entertainment, well thought-out humour ranging from visual gags, witty wordplay and the most hilarious quick change character roulette scenes performed by Stuart Tavendale, (I still can’t get my head around how he managed to remember it all) it was pure magic.
The beauty of this show is that there is something here for everyone: drama, mayhem and the most wonderful and unexpected romance. Throw in some slapstick, super sets, dodgy accents and some very interesting sound effects and you have a truly exceptional piece of feel-great entertainment. There is no better present I can think of receiving for Christmas. Be sure to catch this wonderful show.