EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2022
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
Last night the audience at the Empire could not help but feel the enchantment of nostalgic old school musical, theatre magic. A magic that did not feel dated but was a glorious representation of everything that is wonderful in theatre and movies. Theatre is so often an immersive experience and last night the audience were treated to a night of Hollywood glamour with a red carpet and snow falling, creating a festive atmosphere. White Christmas the musical, is originally based on the iconic 1954 American musical film, which is one of my all-time favourite festive films, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This musical is still growing strong over two decades after it premiered and the theme song is inescapable, it can stir the heart of even the grouchiest Grinch.
Having narrowly escape with their lives from Europe in 1944, at the height of World War ll, veterans Bob Wallace (Jay McGuiness) and Phil Davis (Dan Burton) team up to become a successful double song and dance act, always on the lookout for the ‘million-dollar proposition’. Serendipitously their paths cross with the beautiful and talented Haynes sisters, Betty (Jessica Daley) and Judy (Monique Young). They find themselves in Pine Tree Vermont, at the ‘struggling to stay afloat’ Inn, owned by their former General Henry Waverly (Michael Starke).
This musical unfeignedly lives up to expectations and Irving Berlin’s score is brought to dazzling life by Ben Van Tienen’s band of talented musicians. Directed by Ian Talbot OBE and choreographed by two-time Oliver Award winner Stephen Mear, the stellar cast and ensemble delivers each routine with precision and slickness. The old school Hollywood glamour costumes, designed by Diego Pitarch immediately transports you back to a time of top hats, tailcoats and evening gowns.
Each number is like a glorious old school chorus but my favourite musical stand out performance was ‘Blue Skies’ by Bob (The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness) and company. I also thoroughly enjoyed ‘Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep’ and ‘Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun’ as it makes you think more hopeful and positive, especially with all the doom and gloom of the this year.
White Christmas is a story of friendship, love and loyalty. It is a like a warm hug full of festive cheer and top drawer sing along music, I smiled the whole way through.