Carrie Hope Fletcher and Dan McLellan in The Christmasaurus Live at the Eventim Apollo London. Pictures: Alastair Muir
The Christmasaurus Live continues at Eventim Apollo London until 28 December.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If you follow Tom Fletcher on social media, it will come as no surprise that his first musical is all about one thing: Christmas.
Adapted from his hit novel The Christmasaurus (directed by Derek Bond, adapted for the stage by Miranda Larson), The Christmasaurus Live combines everything a family would look for in the festive season.
The production is written and stars Tom, along with his other talented friends and family members – including wife and author Giovanna; sister and actress Carrie Hope Fletcher; band mate, dancer and author Harry Judd; and band mate and actor Matt Willis.
This is a cast filled with talent and above all personality, as it stars five faces that the audience already know and love.
As a result of this, the production is snappy and fun as each of the five drop in and out of character, ad-lib in between scenes and make several inside jokes to the audience about who is the biggest star. This clever show really is equally as entertaining for adults as it is for children.
Tom Fletcher, Katie Bradley, Harry Judd and Giovanna Fletcher in The Christmasaurus Live
Tom’s novel follows the story of William Trundle, living in a parallel life of solitude alongside the lonely dinosaur, The Christmasarus.
The novel already has a wide fan base of wide-eyed children, who gasp at seeing their favourite characters come to life onstage, but what makes this show really special is the addition of the score.
With a strong ensemble and a standout solo performance from Carrie Hope Fletcher, the score is exceptional and utterly captivating from the opening number. The score is equipped with a full band onstage and the musicians whip each number through the enormous auditorium with the gusto the songs deserves.
As soon as you arrive at the Eventim Apollo, you are greeted instantly by a giant dinosaur, and the magic doesn’t stop when you are seated as you are introduced to the beautiful Christmasarus puppet.
Bought to life by puppeteers Luisa Guerreiro and Mikey Brett and designed by Max Humphries, The Christmasaurus puppet makes this Christmas story truly magical.
Dan McLellan is adorable in the role of William Trundle and his voice sails straight into the audience’s hearts in his solo number.
The Christmasaurus Live makes the perfect show for any child who has fallen in love with the book, any adult who has fallen in love with the Fletchers, and any festive theatregoer who can’t resist a cracking score.
Lucy Beirne
Readers may also be interested in:
The Christmasaurus Live – reports and interviews from exclusive rehearsal room event
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