Magic of Christmas
Review by Georgy Jamieson from suffolktheatre.co.uk
Magic of Christmas is something very different from the Co-Op Juniors
This year the whole production has moved to Trinity Park, in a heated Big Top lit up like a Christmas tree and visible as you travel down Felixstowe Road. There are lots of treats when you arrive too - candy floss, popcorn, hot dogs, chips, drinks and mulled cider are all on offer. Make sure you stock up before you go in and, if you have little kids with you especially, get everyone to use the facilities beforehand because this is a one hour and 25 minute show that goes straight through with no interval.
The website suggests you arrive about 30 minutes beforehand and now I know why - use the loo, get in the snacks and sit back in your seats (which could have done with a little more leg room but then I have a 6ft 4 husband and 6ft 1 son so the leg cramp did set in).
As you settle down there’s also entertainment in the form of the cast interacting with the audience and giving a flavour of what is to come, easing the audience gently into how this is going to be a radical change for the Co-Op Juniors and anyone who has enjoyed their Christmas Spectacular at Snape Maltings for the last 15 years.
The story tells the tale of two sisters who start off playing beautifully together but, as is often the way, an argument starts and an accident happens. The older sister travels on a quest with her own special Christmas wish and meets many colourful characters on the way, including dancing parcels, snow people, Santa, elves and all sorts circus themed toys.
The show is in keeping with the Big Top venue and has more than a nod to the circus, with the cast having white painted faces and rosy cheeks, and a lot of the show is mimed or relies on dance to convey the story. It reminded me of pierrot dolls and had a very European style, with puppets, and larger-than-life props wielded by the cast on giant poles to give the show lots of different levels to look at.
It’s a riot of colour and doesn’t use the traditional Christmas songs we’d come to expect from the Co-Op Juniors Christmas show. This really is something very very different, but something that hasn’t changed is the wealth of talent on display. I am always in awe of the young people who show so much skill and dedication putting on the show.
Magic of Christmas runs until December 22.
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING, CLICK HERE