Crimes on the Christmas Express at the Lichfield Garrick Review

Reviewed by Debbie Lowndes

My husband and I were given the opportunity to visit the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield to review the production of Crimes on the Christmas Express.

It is well signposted within Lichfield. Parking is easy to find, very close at hand and the car park was well lit. This was great as it was a cold dark snowy evening when we attended. The cost to park your vehicle is extremely reasonable.

Entrance to the theatre can be gained via either the box office or the cafe/bar. Our production took place within the smaller of the two theatres (Studio). The smaller theatre had around 60 or so seats. The size of the room fitted well with the production. It allowed closet focus and audience participation. I would imagine that everyone be felt close to the actors and this allow them to feel part of the journey.

The cafe/bar offered a huge range of refreshments and appeared to be well stocked. Smacked and homemade cakes were on sale. There was a wide choice of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. These were all priced in line with what you would expect for this type of venue. During the interval ice creams were also on offer. The theatre was welcoming, and cleanliness was of a high standard. All staff encountered were polite and welcoming. The atmosphere at the theatre and within the production was great.

The cast consisted of four people and each cast members played at least two to four character parts. It was an energetic on stop performance from start to finish. The actors were highly skilled and very adaptable and switched characters seamlessly. These was lots of laughter sounds from the audience throughout. On the Christmas Express there was many different evolving storylines from jewels thieves, circus performers, sleazy Americans, Interpol agents and love longing porters desperate to steal the heart of their only love.

The production was delivered by the New Old Friends Theatre Company. They are definitely produced to an alternative to the standard run of the mill theatre productions. This performance was truly creative, captivating and amusing from start to finish. I have never been to a performance of this nature before and thoroughly enjoyed myself. They were very funny and remarkable actors. The set and use of props was well thought out. Well done New Old Friends theatre company you put on one great performance, which was very energetic throughout. I felt like I was on the journey with the cast, what a credit to the actors and producers. Well done. This is definitely something different and well worth watching.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost £20 (booking fees may apply).

Crimes on the Christmas Express is at the Lichfield Garrick from 8 December 2017 to 6 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call the box office on 01543 412121.

Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR | 01543 412121