★★★★★ A Christmas Story – The Musical
As we await the arrival of the much-anticipated Dear Evan Hansen
next year, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s 2012 Broadway musical A Christmas Story
receives its European premiere at London’s award-winning Waterloo East Theatre
– and very welcome it is too.
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| The coveted BB gun |
With a book by Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benj
Pasek and Justin Paul, A Christmas Story – The Musical is based on the movie
classic. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, we follow
young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the
Christmas gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot
Range Model Air Rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes
to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun.
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| The British Theatre Academy teams |
Cleverly directed with an enormous amount of obvious affection
by Gerald Armin and presented in association with The British Theatre Academy,
A Christmas Story is the perfect and very welcome alternative to traditional
pantomime – oh yes it is!
 |
| Lucyelle Cliffe and Simon Willmont |
With strong performances from Lucyelle Cliffe as Mother and
Simon Willmont as Old Man, who is, in fact, Ralphie’s father, brilliantly
played by Felix Hepburn. At this time, I must point out that the production has
an excellent company of seven young actors (Felix Hepburn, Ethan Manwaring,
Alfie Turnbull, Daniel Osei, Ethan Quinn, Amelia Ioannou and Alice Bonney), who
joyously outnumber the older members of the ensemble with great assuredness and
gusto. Special mentions must go to Ethan Quinn as Schwartz whose performance
was captivating, funny and full of vigour and energy, and Bradley Riches who
unquestionably proved that the art of the jazz hand was utterly safe with him.
A Christmas Story has a varied, captivating show-biz score
delivered beautifully by the whole company. With a brilliant high point of
You’ll Shot Your Eye Out which was a tour de force tap routine led by Jenny
Gayner as Miss Shields, supported by the young company who also tapped and
produced a show-stopping kick line worthy of any Broadway show!
Running until 22 December, A Christmas Story is the perfect
pre-Christmas treat, has broad family appeal and will guarantee you’ll leave
the theatre with a smile on your face, a desire to tap dance your way down the
street, but above all, the realisation that life is about living. This show has
real style, great heart and a generous helping of pure razzamatazz!
28h November to 22nd
December 2018
Tues to Sat at 7.30pm. Sun at 4pm
(No Monday performances)
Running time approx 110 mins with an Interval
Tickets: £23 / £20 (Cons) / £13 (Under 16)
£55 (Family Ticket) (Minimum group of 4 must include 1 under 16)
Previews: Nov 28th & 29th All Tickets £16 Adults / £11 Under 16
Allocated seating. Strictly No Latecomers Admitted.
Waterloo East Theatre Brad Street London SE1 8TN
Book Online www.waterlooeast.co.uk Box Office 0207 928 0060
Tues to Sat at 7.30pm. Sun at 4pm
(No Monday performances)
Running time approx 110 mins with an Interval
Tickets: £23 / £20 (Cons) / £13 (Under 16)
£55 (Family Ticket) (Minimum group of 4 must include 1 under 16)
Previews: Nov 28th & 29th All Tickets £16 Adults / £11 Under 16
Allocated seating. Strictly No Latecomers Admitted.
Waterloo East Theatre Brad Street London SE1 8TN
Book Online www.waterlooeast.co.uk Box Office 0207 928 0060
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