Review: Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas, The Berry Theatre

From the pen of Raymond Briggs, the writer of The Snowman, the much-loved family story Father Christmas comes to the stage at The Berry Theatre until New Year’s Eve.

It was certainly feeling very festive in Hedge End as we gathered for the opening of their seasonal show, with Father Christmas in the foyer, a lovely snowy backdrop for selfies and plenty of festive treats on offer at the bar from a gingerbread latte to Santa shortbread.

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There was much excitement from all the young guests as the short, sharp and snappy 50-minute show got underway.

With a cast of just four, this is a fast-paced and fun-filled show which kept young and old entertained throughout. My nine and five-year-old daughters enjoyed it immensely, as did I.

Our Father Christmas was certainly not as jolly as we’ve come to expect, but he captured our hearts with his moaning and groaning as he awoke and went about his chores ready for the biggest night of the year when he must head off around the world with his sleigh and sack filled with toys.

The puppet pets were a delight and showed a softer side to Father Christmas as he fed his cat and battled with his dog over his socks and furry boots.

The sound effects from the musician sat high above the simple set were a joy, prompting lots of laughs as Father Christmas slept, had a wash, fed himself and his reindeers and, most amusingly for my young companions, went to the toilet!

In magical scenes, he then took to this sleigh and asked his reindeer to giddy up for a night-time flight across the London skyline, even dropping presents off at Buckingham Palace.

This is a charming Christmas classic which is fun for all the family and, 50 years since the book’s publication, certainly stands the test of time.

Tickets from theberrytheatre.co.uk or call 023 8065 2333.