Review: White Christmas

(Image courtesy of whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk)

16th December 2021

By Elle Summers

With the turning on of the Christmas lights in town recently coupled with the opening of the Christmas Market, it is safe to say the Festive Season is well and truly upon Canterbury. And to heighten this festive cheer, White Christmas has been showing in the Marlowe Theatre for the past few weeks.

Transporting the audience back to 1954, and over seas to Vermont, this latest tour of the West End show is truly a wonder to behold. Having never seen the film before (I know, it’s a classic!) I wasn’t sure what kind of performance I was walking into but armed with my programme, I hoped for good things – I was not disappointed!

The set design of this musical was truly amazing, with seamless changes and clever choreography, the stage transformed from one scene to another. I especially liked the way in which the train journey was portrayed, with the entire cast moving simultaneously as if being thrown around by an old locomotive.

(Image courtesy of whitexmasshow on Instagram)

I also appreciated the cyclical nature of the set changes, for the audience were introduced to the two main characters – Bob Wallace and Phil Davis during wartime of 1944 celebrating Christmas in an old barn, far away from home - yet by the end the narrative had jumped forward ten years, to a reunion of sorts, back in a barn setting but in a much happier time.

The actors exhibited an amazing range of talent on stage, you could really tell it was the West End cast, with Matthew Jeans’ Bob Wallace really stealing the show. A personal favourite part of mine was the tap dance performance to ‘I Love a Piano’ that opened the second half of the show, with Emily Langham and Dan Burton really showing off their skills as Judy and Phil respectively.

(Image courtesy of whitexmasshow on Instagram)

Burton’s understanding and representation of Phil really shone through, and so it was highly unsurprising to learn how Burton has held this role for a number of years. All the main characters came across as comedic and lovable, really connecting with the audience. Immersed in the love stories occurring simultaneously, it was clear the audience wanted a happy ending for all!

(Image courtesy of whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk)

Although the plotline could be considered somewhat predictable, this feel-good musical had me singing the catchy songs for days and reliving the dance numbers in my head. As the snow fell onto the audience during the last musical number, I watched on with awe, for it may be the case that I have just found a new all-time favourite musical!

Make sure to check out what is coming up at the Marlowe theatre here, especially if you want to be in the Christmas mood, as the Panto is coming to town soon.