A Fairytale for Christmas – Dominion Theatre

‘A Fairytale for Christmas’ returns with all the charm, sparkle, and heart that has made it a staple of the festive season. Blending Irish musicality with classic Christmas nostalgia, this year’s production proves why audiences return year after year. It is a warm, generous show that wears its joy proudly and delivers exactly what its title promises, wrapping tradition, talent, and musical storytelling into a glittering seasonal package.

The staging places the entire concert inside McGrath’s, a pop-up Christmas bar tucked away in a corner of Central Park, instantly grounding the show in a sense of homespun nostalgia. Wooden bar stools, twinkling lights, and the gentle clutter of a well-loved local Christmas haunt create an atmosphere that feels lived-in rather than theatrical. This setting becomes more than a backdrop; it acts as a gathering place for those who are Irish and far from home, a space where memories, music, and community blend together. The design reinforces the show’s core theme: celebrating heritage across an ocean and finding Christmas spirit in the stories, songs, and traditions that travel with you.

The production’s strength lies in its ability to merge two beloved traditions: the sentimentality of Christmas and the culturally rich verve of Irish performance. As the press release notes, the show aligns familiar seasonal hits with Celtic favourites in a way that feels both celebratory and cohesive.

Musicians Shane Morgan, Oliver Cave, Peet Jackson, Molly Farmer, and Caitlin Forbes provide the heartbeat of the evening, moving seamlessly from lively Celtic arrangements to soaring Christmas melodies. Their musicianship is polished yet playful, giving the evening the spontaneity of a great holiday gathering.

Numbers like I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day sit comfortably alongside The Irish Rover, allowing the audience to revel in both nostalgia and novelty. The set blends festive favourites such as Feliz Navidad, Christmas in Killarney, and Silent Night with heartfelt moments in O Holy Night, Little Drummer Boy, and Happy Xmas (War Is Over). Building on this, the energy shifts seamlessly into Irish folk territory with No Nay Never, Danny Boy, The Fields of Athenry, Seven Drunken Nights, and the ever-beloved Fairytale of New York. Add the seasonal sparkle of hits from Slade, Elton John, and Mariah Carey, and the result is a warm, eclectic mix that keeps the crowd engaged from start to finish.

The dance ensemble, Georgia Amery, Rachel Adele Bolsworth, Katie Tone, Erin Dallas, Isabelle Hazeldine, and Hannah Rose Pendlebury adds another layer of vibrancy. Their precision and energy elevate the show, whether driving the rhythm of Irish classics or bringing theatrical flourish to festive favourites. Choreography is tight, spirited, and cleverly varied, shifting from sweeping ensemble numbers to expressive, intimate moments that draw appreciative applause.

What ultimately makes ‘A Fairytale for Christmas’ special is its sincerity. There is no cynicism, no filler, just a clear intention to entertain, uplift, and remind audiences why live performance is such a cherished part of the season.

With outstanding musicians, dynamic dancers, and a production that balances polish with heart, this year’s iteration captures the spirit of an Irish Christmas celebration at its finest. It is, quite simply, festive magic well spent.

‘A Fairytale for Christmas’ continues an ambitious tour of the UK until 22nd December. Tickets are available at https://afairytaleforchristmas.com

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 23^rd November 2025

North West End UK Rating: