Miracle On 34th Street – Windsor and Touring

Miracle On 34th Street was performed at the Theatre Royal, Windsor and continues to tour until 22 December.

One of the best-loved Christmas films of all time has come to the stage in this UK premiere. This stage version, with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson and inspired by the 1947 black and white 20th Century Fox movie, was originally called Here’s Love and opened on Broadway in 1963. There was also a popular remake released in 1994 starring the jovial Richard Attenborough .

It is a challenging visual exercise to transfer such a story from screen to stage with its scenes inside and outside Macy’s department store, in court and inside characters’ homes, but designer David Shields has managed to craft a multi-purpose staging system which trucks on and off while maintaining the practicalities of touring.

Director Nicola Samer, together with choreographer Richard Jones, have conjured up an industrious energy embraced by the cast and reflecting the stylised movement and dance of the old classic movies, capturing the essence of the time in which the story is set.

Genevieve Nicole portrays the brash, no-nonsense Doris Walker with a steely determination and a purposeful manner which gives her leading lady status, and Poppy Carter is delightful as the young Susan whose scepticism, inherited from her mother, is challenged by both kindly neighbour Fred (Daniel Fletcher) and Kris Kringle (James Murphy). The latter plays his role with more than a deference to Attenborough and gives an excellent performance.

With a cast of 15 it is inevitable that some of the smaller roles are taken by the ensemble, not always as well cast as they could be, and there are some questionable hair styles to make cast members appear older or younger than they are for the purpose of the story. Paul Cleveland looks somewhat intimidating in a wig and make-up that gives Mr Macy a creepy rather than authoritative countenance despite the actor’s best efforts.

The story itself ends rather abruptly with a one-line reprise rather than the obvious ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas’ which would have given the show a more festive note to end on. However, it is a heart-warming production (presented by Kylie Vilcins for Paul Taylor-Mills Ltd) which is a fantastic alternative to the pantomimes and children’s family shows offered at this time of year, and a good attempt at reviving one of the most nostalgic Christmas stories of our time.

Julie Watterston