With a massive part of the population currently unable to visit a theatre or concert venue, many charities that rely on Christmas donations are turning to the internet to spread some Christmassy joy while raising some much-needed funds. This particular concert is raising money for Shelter and Crisis at Christmas.
Hosted by Denise Welch and Amy Hart, We Need A Little Christmas opens with the song of that name from the musical Mame, and then takes us on a Christmas journey from traditional offerings like Silent Night, to modern classics such as Mary, Did You Know? and newer Christmas music from Coldplay, and everything in between…finishing up with Lee Mead’s new Christmas single, In My Arms For Christmas. With direction by Michael Strassen and musical direction from George Carter, this online event brings together a host of stars from the West End and beyond, including the West End Gospel Choir.
The highlight for me was Sally Ann Triplett and her children, Max and Grace Milner, singing Christmas Lights; the harmonies were just stunning, and you could the joy they felt at singing together as a family was palpable, even through the screen. I also loved listening to Olivier Award winners Cassidy Janson and David Bedella, who shared their versions of Santa Baby and I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
But it wasn’t just the music that brought a smile to my face. Simon Callow shared a reading from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Dinner, while Maureen Lipman brought the Christmas conversation right up to date with a brilliantly entertaining monologue about bubbles (Dom Perignon, anyone?!) and making Christmas plans in 2020.
We Need A Little Christmascertainly filled me up with Christmas spirit, and there really is something on the bill for everyone.
We Need A Little Christmas is available to watch online between Sunday 20th December and Friday 1st January. Tickets can be purchased at www.stream.theatre for £20 (plus booking fees) per single ticket, or £30 (plus booking fees) for a family ticket. Please note that this is not on-demand viewing, your ticket entitles you to a single stream that begins at a pre-determined time.
Reviewer: Jo Tillotson
Reviewed: 16th October 2020
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★