The Playhouse, Salisbury – until 27 December 2020
Reviewed Alexandra Browning
5*****
Nothing gets you more into the Christmas spirit than a Christmas musical, and at Salisbury Playhouse it’s showtime! (with a very warm welcome). My first note of great appreciation goes to the team working at the playhouse who have ensured a very safe and pleasant experience. The effort that has gone into guaranteeing the theatre is ready for safe viewing is very evident and welcoming.
Little Robin Redbreast is a wonderful Christmas musical, the socially-distanced crew were marvellous at portraying a festive wonder. The musical sees you follow Robin, a small boy, through a magical winter wonderland, with a few local-to-Salisbury references made along the way. Ryan Heenan, as Robin, portrayed the wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes in the most entertaining way. Heenan’s portrayal of Robin allows for the audience to follow him on a winter adventure. Similar to opening the doors on an advent calendar Robin lets us follow him on the countdown to Christmas.
Throughout the magical musical, we saw the highly skilled cast through a variety of scenes. A few personal highlights were a family of squirrels rapping, mice tapping and a family of Swedish reindeer. There was a spectacular mix of light humoured puns and some fantastic nut-related jokes. Throughout the musical Dan Smith, as Daddy, showed his fantastic array of skills with his piano playing for the musical and his fantastic embodiment of Daddy Squirrel, alongside Smith, Phillipa Hogg, as Molly, joined in the piano playing, however, also displayed a fantastic skill for tap dance in a Mouse and Robin performance with Heenan.
The cast and crew of Little Robin Redbreast did a marvellous job of bringing a traditional Christmas spirit into a very unconventional year. I would say anyone in need of a little festive treat would be delighted with the performance at Salisbury Playhouse