The Maltings, Farnham – until 24 December 2024
Reviewed by Rebecca Scott
5*****
Farnham Maltings are delivering us Christmas cracker! This show will enchant audiences of all ages. From start to finish it was funny, festive and captivating!
This production, directed by Max Hutchinson, adapts the cherished story written by Diana Hendry and John Lawrence. The play starts with Maggie Mistletoe (Tricia Adele-Turner) fretting about where her expected relatives will stay for Christmas. However, Christmas Eve has rolled around and guest after unexpected guest arrives…so where will all 37 people sleep? The house becomes so full that Father Christmas has trouble keeping track of everyone!
All 37 characters are played by the 4 actors you see on stage. You would think something like this would appear chaotic, but it was an absolutely delight to watch and so seamless too. The audience gets to meet the likes of Uncle Bartholomew who has arrived from Australia, the local Vicar and Maggie’s five aunts from Abingdon.
Finlay McGuigan was particularly impressive with his accents and facial expressions. He was so playful on stage and his mannerisms were so quirky. Olivia Williamson was loveable as her characters, and she has a wonderful singing voice! Pete Ashmore was humorous, and my daughter loved him as Father Christmas at the end. Tricia was particularly impressive. She had so many lines to deliver, and how she remembered all 37 characters on repeat in her song was magnificent!
There was no standout performance because this quartet bounced off each so well, that they all stood out equal. They are all so charismatic and joy to watch perform together. They moved so effortlessly across the stage, remembering all the props needed and effortlessly transforming into each character. It reminded me that you don’t need to do something dramatic when playing several roles. A simple hat change, body language tweak or accent replacement was all was needed. They made it appear so effortless!
A production like this cannot be done without the support of an excellent crew. A special mention to the stage management team, who made sure everything was in the right place at the right time. I also loved the staging and the design of set in the Mistletoe family’s attic. The lighting was impressive, created by Chris McDonnell, and this really added to the festive ambience that was being portrayed.
At the heart of this production is the message being given out. Christmas in Exeter Street shares the importance of generosity and being together, not about what you get under the tree.
There is nothing I would have changed about this production. I thoroughly enjoyed the 90 minutes (inc interval) it was on for. I only wish it went on longer! The audience will enjoy real magic, catchy songs and comedy all wrapped up in a story that leaves you with a warm glow inside. It made me feel excited to enjoy the chaotic Christmas I have coming up, and how grateful I am for it.