Nottingham Theatre Royal – until 26 November 2022
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
I’m glad you asked me that, Senator….
Well Nottingham was looking its festive best as we walked through the market square (lights, trees, rides and ice ring) to the Theatre Royal, for an evening of razzmatazz, sequins, big voices and dance routines.
The show is based on the Irving Berlin musical adapted for the stage by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is a cornucopia of show tunes, dance routines, tap routines and feel good magic! The show is directed by Ian Talbot and the choreography is by Stephen Mear.
The show opens on Christmas Eve 1944 with the platoon putting together a show for the festive period. Their General (Michael Starke) holds his final field inspection before being sent for treatment. The platoon are in a melancholic mood.
Fast forward ten years and it’s 1954, the war is over and our army boys are now lead performers Bob (Jay McGuiness) and Phil (Dan Burton), Phil and Bob, Bob and Phil in the Ed Sullivan Show. They have found fame and fortune but not love! They are due to take the train to Florida to headline a new show, when they receive a letter from an old army buddy. He asks them to watch his sisters’ act, the Haynes’ Sisters …. fortunately Bob and Phil are in the market for a new headline act for their show …. and for romance. The sisters Betty (Jessica Daley) and Judy (Monique Young), Judy and Betty, Betty and Judy perform the excellent Sisters, complete with feathers. The boys are smitten! Although one of them is playing hard to get.
The action hots up with switched tickets, a change of plans, an excellent train ride and plenty of work for the ensemble!
They all arrive at the the inn in Vermont run by the General. He has sunk all of his money into the place and is looking for a way to resolve his financial problems. A plan is hatched to help out the General and his inn, by bringing the platoon back together and putting on a show to remember.
The show is peppered with memorable and favourite tunes. Some tender Count your blessings (instead of sheep), the wonderful Blue Skies, Happy Holidays and of course White Christmas. The costumes by Diego Pitarch are sharp and snazzy.
The stand out performance for me was Lorna Luft as Martha (all sassy attitude and wise cracks). She presides over the lobby and switchboard,hiding the bills and diverting the creditors. She manages to get in on the show after blowing everyone away with her rendition of Let Me Sing and I’m Happy. She has a powerful set of lungs.
So grab your Christmas jumper and hop on board the train to Vermont!