“White Christmas” at the New Theatre in Cardiff, United Kingdom (Closed Saturday December 6, 2014)

December 9, 2014 | News | Tags:
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
Reviewed by George Caulton
Theatre Reviews Limited (USA)

Cardiff’s amateur dramatic group, the Orbit Theatre Company, successfully performed their own rendition of Irving Berlin’s spectacular “White Christmas” this December. The stage show, based on the beloved and timeless film, features several memorable songs including “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial favourite, “White Christmas.” All of the songs were a hit with the audience with feet-tapping and beaming smiles. The finale really anticipated the Christmas feel as the cast invited the audience to join in with old time classic “White Christmas.” With life, exuberance, energy and colour, it cannot be denied that the Orbit Theatre’s production emphasised that heart-warming, Christmas glow.

Nicky Taliesin was outstanding in his characterisation of lead Bob Wallace. One would not consider his performance to be of an amateur level. His advanced vocal ability and outstanding acting allowed Nicky to carry the show alongside his partner, brilliantly played by Phil Davies. Terrific contributions too from Giaccolina Crothers and Hannah Rix as Betty and Judy who provided a fantastic degree of comic timing as well as adopting a great relationship with both Nicky and Phil.

Special mention too goes to young Ffion Elin Griffith who confidently played Susan Waverly. Her rendition of “I’m Happy” and “The Sweetest Thing” were real show stoppers! Undeniably, young Ffion has a bright future ahead in acting if this show is anything to go by.

The dancers and chorus were terrific also, with masses of energy that pervaded the stage to the build-up of the renowned “White Christmas.” Overall, the show was full of energy and life which inevitably lead to the success of the Orbit Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s iconic “White Christmas.”