White Christmas, The Mayflower (From Daily Echo)

It was all wight on the night

10:19am Tuesday 15th November 2011 in Stage Reviews By Lorelei Reddin, Entertainments Editor

IT’S far too early to feel festive – or so I thought.

White Christmas, returning to The Mayflower five years after its world premiere appearance in Southampton, is the perfect seasonal treat. It even had this Scrooge longing for Christmas.

If you don’t feel festive as snow falls on to the auditorium and a superb cast and orchestra perform the title track, you probably never will.

Mr Christmas himself, Aled Jones, and Amy Ellen Richardson, originally from Fareham, make a wonderful pair with great chemistry and stunning vocals.

Adam Cooper and Louise Bowden excel in the toe-tapping I Love A Piano, and Louise Plowright and Phil Cole put in notable performances.

Southampton star of the future Carla Arnold, aged 11, and Ken Farrington make a loveable granddaughter and grandfather.

This is the tale of the members of the US Army’s 151st Battalion who get back together ten years after the Second World War to put on a festive show to help out their former general in his time of need.

White Christmas boasts one of the most exceptional musical theatre scores ever written, performed by a brilliant 17-piece orchestra and some quite spectacular dance numbers.

With producer Michael Rose’s usual lavish costumes and stunning sets, it leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy – and incredibly festive.