All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre Review

Thespie continues their Reunited series of streamed concerts with a wonderful festive episode, All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre (is there a more fitting title currently!). This episode features some of the casts seen in the first 3 episodes (all of which are available to stream here) and those who will be appearing in future ones.

T'Shan Williams, Sophie Isaacs and Jodie Steele, the three leading ladies from the original London cast of Heathers open with 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. Their voices blend so well together and it's lovely to see their chemistry together. The three return later in the episode with a performance of 'Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)'.

T'Shan Williams, Sophie Isaacs and Jodie Steele. Photo by Danny Kaan.

Sophie Evans, Carl Man, Alice Fearn, Dianne Pilkington, Alexia Khadim, Nikki Bentley, Liam Tamne and Oliver Tompsett (all current or previous Wicked cast members) give a great rendition of the classic Irving Berlin song 'White Christmas'. Liam's jumper alone stands outs here!

Bob Harms sings 'Christmas Song'. There's so much warmth and joy in this song and Bob's rendition just made me feel in such a nice Christmassy place. 

Jemma Alexander, Charlotte Yorke, Aimie Atkinson, Serina Mathew, Rachael Wooding, Joanna Woodward and Hannah Ducharme (all from the London cast of Pretty Woman) sing the Wham number 'Last Christmas'.  The number features some particularly brilliant choreography and harmonies in this number. Jemma, Charlotte, Serina, Joanna and Hannah also return with 'Santa Baby'.

The reunited cast of Pretty Woman. 

'Miss You Most at Christmas Time' fits perfectly to the vocal range of Natalie Paris. She sings with such assurance and skill.

'Merry Christmas, Everyone' reunites the London cast members of Dear Evan Hansen (Alex Thomas-Smith, Courtney Stapleton, Tricia Adele-Turner, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Lauren Ward, Rupert Young, Natalie Kassanga, Sam Tutty, Rebecca McKinnis, Marcus Harman, Lucy Anderson, Jack Loxton, Hannah Lindsey and David Breeds). It's fantastic to see the cast back together singing such a fun song.

'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' reunites & Juliet cast members Grace Mouat, Jordan Luke Gage, Cassidy Janson, Oliver Tompsett and Tim Mahendran. 

Tricia Adele-Turner, Natalie Kassanga, Hannah Lindsey and Sam Tutty. Photo by Danny Kaan 

The highlight of the episode is Alice Fearn's rendition of the Joni Mitchell song 'River'. Alice performs at the piano and plays and sings beautifully. 

Sam Tutty sings 'Jingle Bells' backed up by Natalie Kassanga, Tricia Adele-Turner and Hannah Lindsey. 

The finale is Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' sung by Seven (the original London Queens from Six The Musical; Aimie Atkinson, Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Alexia McIntosh, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Grace Mouat, Natalie Paris, and Millie O'Connell. 

Aimie Atkinson, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Alexia McIntosh, Millie O'Connell, Grace Mouat, Natalie Paris, Jarneia Richard-Noel credit Danny Kaan

Credit must go the creatives behind the episode, in particular, musical directors Nick Barstow and Gareth Weedon who bring to life these classic songs in a fresh way.

The whole 50 minutes is a fantastic festive watch. It's so wonderful to watch these talented performers reunited to sing these Christmassy classics. Theatre is something we all crave to be back, but until then this delivers enough festive theatrical joy to fill the void.

All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre is streaming from Thespie - stream it from their website now.