It may oversell its Christmas-ness, but it's a good night out nonetheless...
If we’re being honest, Christmas at the Musicals could probably have been called Musicals at the Musicals, With a Few Christmas Songs at the End. That is, it’s very heavy on the ‘musicals’ element, with everything from old classics like New York, New York to new Disney favourites like Frozen covered throughout a night of booming vocals and quality jazz music.
Yet, while it may be more suitable for die-hard musical theatre fans than casuals, there is still plenty to enjoy for the likes of myself (I prefer High School Musical 2 to Hamilton) - those who are just looking for a nice night out with family.
Sure, comedy skits from Chicago probably work better if you’ve seen the show being referenced, but it’s impossible not to be swept away by the talent of those performing on stage, from the enchanting voices of Sophie Evans and Alice Fearn to the flawless tunes from everyone in the West End Theatre Orchestra.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend some festive time over the next few weeks, you’d do a lot worse than this varied show
Powerful numbers like Let It Go capture the audience, bringing them to respectful silence as they watch on, before, at times, rising for standing ovations, and more jovial tunes like those from the Grease soundtrack (the greatest musical) and the long-running Wicked (Popular is a particular stand-out) raise the energy levels in the Royal Concert Hall.
And, while the ‘Christmas’ section of Christmas at the Musicals may be limited, it does still bring the cheesy goodness you’d want from a mid-December show at Nottingham’s most charming venue, with performers donning Santa hats and running through crooning classics to bring the evening to a close.
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to spend some festive time over the next few weeks, you’d do a lot worse than this varied show. And if you’re mad for musical theatre, you’ll enjoy it even more.
Christmas at the Musicals took place at the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 14th December 2023
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