REVIEW | Christmas Actually, Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall
Written by Cathie
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
General warnings: moments of darkness and flashing lights
Christmas Actually, created by Senbla and Roast productions is a show unlike many you’ll find this festive season. This is a charity show which is focused on raising money to help others in difficult times. A more sincere delivery of the Christmas spirit of generosity and goodwill is hard to find on any other London stage.
The staging is festive with over a dozen brightly lit Christmas trees and a circular screen to showcase the moments and shoutouts from various celebrities.
It is hosted by Jayde Adams and Sanjeev Bhaskar, British comedy giants in their own right, who gently guide the evening along and remind us in a positive way why we are all there tonight.
Listening to Miriam Teak Lee, as the special guest star, sing a medley of Christmas songs whilst in absolutely stunning festive dresses is a musical highlight I never thought I’d be able to witness. Her performances were amazing and really filled me with Christmas positivity. Being able to sing along to all I want for Christmas was a definite plus.
Flo & Joan also bedazzled in classic style and made the audience roar with laughter on several occasions. Some of my favourite performances of the night however were by Marc Antolin, Elizabeth Ayodele, Stephan Boyce and Jamie-Rose Monk as the ensemble. Their rendition of ‘Silent Night’ brought many to tears and their production of an Ai Christmas Carol brought me to tears of laughter.
This show has something for everyone, from moments of comedy, heartfelt reminders of genuine charity to even a spooky story retold in true Christmas style.
Christmas is a challenging time for many, especially in our current bleak economic climate. If you want to go to a show filled with festive spirit and contribute to sincerely help others at the same time, I urge you to go this show whilst it’s on.
