Picture: Jamie Scott-Smith
Plaid Tidings continues at the Bridge House Theatre, London until 23 December 2018.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tucked away on the edge of Crystal Palace Park is this jewel of a show. Conceived by writer Stuart Ross in the aftermath of 9/11 as a sequel to Forever Plaid, it provides a much-needed lift to the spirits, and here is slightly adapted for its UK premiere.
The four chaps from close harmony group Forever Plaid are on their way to a gig when their transport is hit by a coach load of children on their way to provide backing for The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. They are killed outright and end up in heaven. Those up above decide the world needs harmony and joy, so they are given a chance to return to earth to share those gifts. And so they do, in spades.
Guy Retallack’s production has warmth and inventiveness enhanced by the superbly funny choreography of Paul Harris. It’s parody 1960s but given an original spin. From the ghostly opening to the moving climax, the production never hits a wrong note.
We get interventions from Rosemary Clooney and Perry Como, and a nod to West Side Story. Childhood memories of Christmas are evoked and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer is deconstructed. It gets hysterical with joy, then pulls back with perfectly judged sentimentality, never mawkish.
The music and songs of the 1960s are comfortingly familiar but in unconventional arrangements. The international section is hilarious. Calypso, flamenco, plainchant alongside traditional Christmas songs. Musical direction is by Laurie Denman from the keyboard, who is also a charismatic and versatile performer.
The red plaid suits ( I want one!), set and prop design are the work of Katharine Davis Herbst. On a tiny stage with a limited budget, it never feels thrifty or skimped. Hats, canes, and even toilet unblockers are called into action. Very effective lighting is by Matthew Swithinbank.
The cast of four is a tight ensemble but with strong personalities. Alex Bloomer, Joshua Da Costa, Laurie Denman and Kris Marc-Joseph blend in the harmonies but shine in their solo sections too. It’s physical, but always with an emotional truth. Perfectly cast. A perfect Christmas Show.
Leon Ferguson
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