Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the classic film, what better time to immerse yourself in the world of White Christmas and the musical that has delighted for so many decades. 

Irving Berlin’s holiday romp is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and brought to the stage by the team at The Mill at Sonning, a dinner theatre establishment that holds a special place in the history of theatre in London. Captain Bob Wallace (Jason Kajdi) and Private Phil Davis (Connor Hughes) are ex-military men who become a famous singing duo post-WWII. They stumble upon unknown sister act Betty (Gabriella Williams) and Judy Haynes (Nic Myers) and decide to chase them to a small Inn in Vermont for the holidays. Upon discovering their former Army General (Mark Curry) as the establishments owner and learning of dire financial straits, a holiday show is pulled together in the barn to save the Inn with much flirting and hijinks along the way. It’s one of the original feel-good Hallmark holiday tales – witty repartee, glorious outfits and a stacked soundtrack. 

It’s not easy having the ghost of Bing Crosby over your shoulder but Kajdi made the stage his own with charisma and aplomb. Hughes was a typical sidekick foil and played off Myers well for the comic moments. Williams had an ethereal voice, captivating in every moment on stage including completely stealing the limelight for “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and, though the contrived love/hate relationship between Judy and Wallace is hard to believe in such a short manner, their chemistry was palpable. 

The small ensemble were of the highest calibre, with high-energy tap numbers and harmonious vocals supplemented by Gary Lloyd‘s fast paced choreography. You could only wish they would be granted more stage space to soar, somewhat limited by the semi circle thrust but still managing to exude their all. The costumes by Natalie Titchener just added to the glitz – well-fitted, appropriately period styled, and with just the right amount of sparkle. 

With a simple set and no ostentatious lighting to take away from the performances, White Christmas was all about the music. And what wonderful songs they are. From the moment the audience was encouraged to join in on “Happy Holiday” the years fell away and we were back in the golden age of musicals. Crowd favourites like “Blue Skies” and “I Love A Piano” were full of life and energy, and even the slower paced moments had strength in their stillness. The band played well, slightly overblown at times but under the baton of Jae Alexander they complemented the singers strongly. 

White Christmas was a performance filled with joy, and that’s all you can really ask for from a Christmas classic. Love, laughs, a minute of angst to make it all worth it and a well-deserved happily ever after. An excellent cast made every moment real and the toes were tapping throughout. Throw in a meal in the delightful surrounds of the historic mill and you have an all-round superb night at the theatre. No better way to make your day merry and bright. 

Review by Eva Tilley

White Christmas is on at the Mill at Sonning until 25th January 2025. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like m review of Beauty and The Beast at Marlowe Theatre and Jack and The Beanstalk What A Whopper at Charing Cross Theatre.