Last year we went to see Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith and we wrote just the other day how looking forward to going again this year we were!
Today was the day and yet again we have come away absolutely bowled over with what a wonderful production it is! It is ridiculously clever and so beautifully done. It’s so perfect in fact that it’s almost as if the illustrations from this popular book have just danced off their pages and come to life on the stage! Being true to an original story is always important for me but for children I think even more so and this absolutely delivers!
Again this year Father Christmas is played by the wonderfully animated Barry McCarthy and has been adapted perfectly by Pins and Needles Productions. It is just as exciting and just as magical this ear and it is the one of the most perfect ways to kick off Christmas cheer I can think of. Grumpy Father Christmas goes about his day on Christmas Eve. He feeds the animals, gets the presents ready, grumbles about the weather… And then he flies off with his reindeer to deliver stockings to all the girls and boys.
Barry McCarthy as Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas!
To say the puppetry is a master piece is an understatement and Puppeteer Claire Harvey who is new to the role does a sterling job. This year in difference to last ear’s performer yshe interacts with the audience more using her own facial expressions and I can only say it added to the experience! Musician Jared Ashe, also new this year, seemed more engaging as well but perhaps I am just remembering badly… Either way they are all faultless!
The sound effects, the set changes, the props, costumes and music all build a truly fantastic production. Both Jimmy and my friend Katy from Modern Mummy’s 1 year old sat still while watching intently for the whole performance of just under an hour. That’s really quite something I have to say but once you’ve seen it I think you’ll agree it’s not surprising. This show is funny, moving, enchanting and full of Christmas. It’s a Christmas present and some on stage, you simply HAVE to go! Florence has talked about this production often over the past year, she remembered it well and by the giggling she was producing while watching today I suspect we’ll continue to talk about it for some time to come!
Our favourite moments are seeing the reindeer fly (amazing puppets that make you forget they aren’t real), watching Father Christmas get stuck down the chimney (a simply astounding piece of scenery and props) and of course the ‘poo’ moment (you have to see it to believe it)!
Feeling very festive by the tree at The Lyric, Hammersmith after the performance!
Tickets can be bought on line at www.Lyric.co.uk and some performances have workshops to go with the show immediately afterwards for a small extra fee. Adult tickets are £10 and children just £8 which is a terrific bargain for such a wonderful show in my opinion! I’d like to also recommend the delicious mince pies from the cafe!
I have not been paid to write this post but I was provided complimentary tickets for the purpose of an honest review.
Follow