By: Rosie Sharman-Ward
Reprising its successful run from last year, this beguiling production of the Raymond Briggs’ classic graphic novel is gorgeous. Father Christmas delivers pure of Christmas spirit, lovingly distilled and served warm and cosy.
Entering The Drum and glimpsing the evocative Christmas card set, I am captivated. Gentle carols and the happy buzz of excited children fill the auditorium and with each twinkle of the stars, the years drop away and a big kid’s smile appears on my face. There is definitely magic in the air.
Father Christmas, rudely awakened from dreams of sunshine and warm beaches by his alarm, harrumphs out of bed into a chilly Christmas Eve morning to start his busiest day. The forecast is miserable, and he has a lot to do (nods of empathy from the adults in the audience).
Within minutes of the show beginning, Father Christmas has us all laughing, he needs the loo and the dog has hidden his slipper. The children watching stop hassling for sweets and sit forwards in their seats. Even the end of Primary school Santa Sceptics sitting behind us are chuckling.
Nathan Masterson as Father Christmas is just perfect. He steps out the pages of Raymond Briggs’ wonderful illustrations and brings all that lovable, irascible character with him. Those who have ever shared the book will recognise him instantly. Puppeteer (yes, puppets – always a great show when there are puppets) Amber-Rose Perry is not only fabulous at imbuing the pets with cheeky character but also engages with her audience and draws us further into the tale. Then there is the incredible Stacy Ghent. Sitting in her festive eyrie above the stage, Stacy provides most of the sound effects and music. Multi-talented and delightful, she completes the trio of on-stage artistry for this endearing show.
Designed by Zoe Squire, the set is complex, ingenious and a major part of the production. The Santa Sceptics are overheard saying, “That said ‘Loo’, now it says ‘Deers’. Oh, wow, there are deers!” Beautifully lit by George Ogilvie, it is one of the best I have seen. Directed by Emma Earle, the entire show cleverly marries the enchantment of the original book with contemporary references that include today’s audiences in the magic. The moment Father Christmas bursts forth in his sleigh draws gasps of amazement and more wows from the Santa Sceptics, who are now firmly on Team Believe.
Once again Father Christmas is selling out fast. Take my advice, snap up a ticket and see it. Better still take children with you or allow your inner child to join you. You won’t regret it.