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When the invitation to review 'White Christmas' arrived, I was thrilled. This had to be the perfect start to the festive season - I felt confident that Sally Hughes would oversee another fantastic Christmas musical, though it might be hard to beat last year's production of Top Hat.
Nestled in the scenic village of Sonning, The Mill at Sonning delivers an unforgettable festive treat with this vibrant production of White Christmas. This delightful adaptation of Irving Berlin's classic, running from November 27, 2024, to January 25, 2025, perfectly blends top-tier performances, lush visuals, and a one-of-a-kind dinner-theatre experience.
The venue itself is a gem, steeped in history and sustainability. Converted from an 18th-century flour mill, it uniquely combines rustic charm with eco-conscious practices. The water wheel in the bar provides the venue with electricity.
A trip to the Mill at Sonning is always a bit of a treat. The setting is beautiful and the concept is cleverly executed, a meal and a show package. Why let your customers eat and drink elsewhere beforehand, when you have the space to provide this yourself, and such a beautiful space too? The ticket price includes a two course meal, a very decent buffet main course and a waiter-served dessert with plenty of choice and tea or coffee.
Director Jonathan O’Boyle leads a remarkable creative team on the is production of White Christmas, including choreographer Gary Lloyd and costume designer Natalie Titchener, whose work deserves particular praise. Titchener's costumes, in a palette of vibrant pastels (I know that sounds like a contradiction), evoke mid-century glamour with exceptional attention to detail - colours used on one costume are highlights on another - and even a rug thrown over a chair follows the colour theme.
The production’s pace is superb, driven by dynamic dance numbers and heartfelt performances. Even though the story itself isn't the most challenging, it's message about helping others which delivers the spirit of Christmas.
The small yet mighty orchestra, under musical director Jae Alexander, creates a sound so rich and lively it could rival much larger ensembles.
The story, based on the 1954 film, follows two veterans-turned-performers and their romantic escapades with a singing sister act, culminating in a heartwarming plan to save their former general’s struggling Vermont inn. Classic songs like "Sisters", "Blue Skies," "How Deep Is the Ocean," and, of course, the titular "White Christmas" are delivered with gusto, leaving the audience in the perfect festive spirit.
The cast shines across the board: Jason Kajdi (Bob) and Connor Hughes (Phil) lead with charisma and smooth vocals, complemented by Gabriella Williams (Betty) and Nic Myers (Judy), whose harmonies bring warmth and sophistication. Mark Curry’s General Waverly adds a touch of gruff charm, while Shirley Jameson (Martha) and Natasha Cayabyab (Susan) bring energy and humour. Martha's pithy retort to an angry General was a classic, " We fight all the time and we never have sex - people think we're married"! The rest of the ensemble shine too, there are no weak links in this production.
The dance numbers are a particular highlight, with exuberant tap routines that bring down the house. The "I Love a Piano" sequence at the start of the second act stands out for its energy, precision and infectious joy, a testament to the cast’s versatility, the stage lighting and Lloyd’s choreography, as the staging becomes a giant keyboard.
In the finale, the snow machines deliver and some (there were some wet audience members!), and the audience is asked to sing-along with the cast. The cast were now dressed festively in vibrant red, white and green costumes. The perfect end to a perfect show.
Do not miss this wonderful production, we can promise that you won't be disappointed, I left the show full of Christmas spirit. (Unless you really were hoping to meet the next-door neighbour, George Clooney, then you might be disappointed!)
When: now until 25th January 2025
Where: The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY
Tickets: £71 to £104 inclusive of the meal
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