Miracle on 34th Street at the New Theatre Cardiff Review
Miracle on 34th Street
New Theatre, Cardiff
1-5 December 2015
Reviewed by Yvette Morgan
I attended the New Theatre Cardiff with my granddaughter on a rainy miserable Tuesday evening, but the minute we stepped into the theatre we forget the rain and wind and were caught up in the ambiance of the many theatre goers excited to see the stage version of an iconic Christmas film. As always were staff were friendly and helpful, there were lots of refreshments available and the theatre was spotlessly clean. Located in the centre of Cardiff New Theatre is close to public transport links and ample parking is available in several multi storey car parks.
We purchased our snacks and took our seats, the atmosphere in the theatre was one of excitement and a friendly elf added to the excitement by running around playfully teasing the children, squirting them with his water pistol, as we waited excitedly.
The show is based on the popular 1947 film, Meredith Wilson’s musical version of Miracle on 34th Street follows the movie’s sentimental journey of yuletide redemption, as the rumours of the bad disbelievers are dispelled by a legal ruling that not only does Santa Claus exist, he is working right there in New York’s 34th street, Macy’s department store.
The opening act shows Doris Walker (Claire Hawkins) the director of Thanksgiving Day Parade and her bumbling and hilarious assistant Marvin Shellhammer (Brendan Matthew) desperately seeking a new Santa to replace the drunken Tony Felachi, enter Kris Kringle,(Danny Lane) a kindly old bearded man who claims he is the real Santa Claus. The minute we saw the Kris we were hooked, having seen the film version many times the resemblance to the Coles Santa was amazing, and Lane certainly portrayed a jolly demeanour. Doris Walkers little girl Susan doesn’t believe in Father Christmas until she meets the “real” Santa Claus working at her mum’s department store, which changes her perspective, and makes her a believer, who helps Santa regain his good name.
A beautifully-staged and fast moving production delighted the young and old, featuring all time classic songs such as It’s Beginning to look a Lot like Christmas, the audience were giggling and singing along. The choreography was fantastic and there was a visible rapport between the cast. A thoroughly entertaining festive treat. This heart-warming tale is a must for all the family, to really get you in the Christmas spirit, my granddaughter’s words when we left were “I absolutely loved it”.
Totally entertaining, a must to get you in the festive spirit.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11 to £33 (booking fees may apply).
Miracle on 34th Street is at the New Theatre in Cardiff until 5 December 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN | 029 2087 8889
