Liverpool-Live

The show opens with World War II soldiers Bob Wallace (Aled Jones) and Phil Davis (Adam Cooper) entertaining the troops on Christmas Eve 1944. The dialogue then forwards to ten years later, where on the set of the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ the curtain is drawn back to reveal Bob and Phil have hit the big time and found fame and fortune as song and dance men.  After a brief meeting with the talented twosome the ‘Haynes Sisters’ they all jump aboard an onstage train en-route to Vermont to star in a Christmas Showcase.

Upon their arrival the train-goers are left underwhelmed with the landscape, an out of season heat wave has swept over Vermont and  left the town lacking the all important ingredient of a magical Christmas- snow! Despite this, a smitten Phil and a more reluctant Bob follow the sisters to a holiday inn in dire straits due to the lack of the good old ‘white stuff’.  In a turn of events the duo discover the inn is owned by their army general of ten years earlier- they make a pact to bring General Waverely (Ken Farrington) plenty of visitors in time for the holidays.

In his third run with the show, Anglesey- born Aled Jones did well in portraying Bob Wallace, a hard thing to do as the part had been made famous by Bing Crosby in the 1954 film version. He builds a seamless rapport with his sidekick Phil Davies portrayed by Adam Cooper.  Cooper’s past work includes the lead male role in Swan Lake and his dance background was certainly highlighted within this production, fronting the big spectacular numbers including ‘I Love a Piano’ and ‘The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing’.

They were perfectly matched with their leading ladies, the feisty, confident Judy (Louise Bowden) and the slightly more sceptical sister Betty (Amy Ellen Richardson). Bowden showcased her crowd pleasing dance skills alongside Adam Cooper, the pair sashayed across the stage, darting in and out of the spotlight, it has to be said, despite being secondary characters their routines and chemistry together was faultless and a definite highlight of the show.  They were accompanied by an incredible ensemble cast who truly brought the whole show together with perfectly choreographed routines.

The Empire Theatre with its decadent interior setting was the perfect place to hold such a lavish, stunning show and throughout there was a undeniable feeling of nostalgic Hollywood glamour.  The sparkling setting, costumes and overall charm of this show are of such high standard that it is no wonder it was received with such warmth from the audience.

Whilst it doesn’t look like we will be enjoying a ‘white’ Christmas, this show will certainly put you in the right mood to enjoy a very merry Christmas regardless!