White Christmas at The Mill at Sonning Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Happy Holiday! Based on the iconic, much-loved 1954 Paramount Pictures Film and ably directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Irving Berlin’s classic stage adaptation of White Christmas is now proudly performing at the Mill at Sonning Theatre.

Set beautifully on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment. Being the UK’s only dinner theatre, it is a most special and unique gem of a venue. All productions are created here from start to finish and all tickets include a delicious two-course meal in the restaurant before the show.

A sentimental love story at heart, White Christmas tells the tale of Phil Davis and Bob Wallace , former World War II soldiers and friends who are now famous song-and-dance performers. In their search for a new act for their New York show, Phil and Bob meet up and coming sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes who are heading off to snowy Pine Tree Vermont to a failing hotel, which just so happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s old Army General, Hank Waverly. The plan is to stage a show in the General’s barn to rustle up the crowds and so, the performance becomes a show within a show. Whilst the path of love never did run smooth, White Christmas is ultimately a story of hope, as the gallant former soldiers win the hearts of their gals and bring joy to their much-loved General.

Although the Mill at Sonning is an intimate setting, White Christmas is a sleek, big show in all aspects. The production is full of energy and good old fashioned fun. With all the hallmarks of a classical Broadway musical, the clever choreography by Gary Lloyd is spectacular. Designed by Jason Denvir, the set is stunning, the dreamy costumes, designed by Natalie Titchener are to die for and with so many wonderful much-loved songs, White Christmas has everything you want in a top-class musical.

The hard-working cast are exceptional. Jason Kajdi and Connor Hughes are perfectly cast as friends Bob and Phil, playing their roles with charisma and panache. Perfectly complementing each other, the talented duo are on top form with their note perfect velvety vocals and tap dancing feet which never miss a single beat! Their excellent chemistry is perfectly matched by the sparkling performances of Nic Myers and Gabriella Williams as Judy and Betty respectively. Myers and Williams light up the stage – from their flirty, feathery ‘Sisters’ song through to more vivacious ‘jazz hands’ numbers as well as more tender moments, they mesmerise from start to finish.

I have always particularly enjoyed the clever ‘show within a show’ concept. Whilst allowing the musical to explore the inner lives and at times, bittersweet ambitions of the performers, the audience is uniquely connected and becomes energizingly captured in the performance itself – the fun really kicks in towards the end too!

With one glorious Irving Berlin number after another, the fast-paced show is a musical extravaganza!
This cracker of a Christmas musical sparkles with charm and cheer. Step into your dreams of a White Christmas at the Mill at Sonning this festive season!

Rating: 5/5
White Christmas at the Mill Theatre at Sonning, runs from 27th November – 25th January 2025, for more information or to book tickets visit millatsonning.com.