This clumsy interpretation of the classic seasonal flick presents itself more as a school play than an actual musical. Forgettable songs, cracker-quality jokes and unembellished choreography feel like several lumps of coal in the stocking, delivered by the least convincing Santa Claus this reviewer has ever seen.
Miracle on 34th Street follows Susan (Karis), a sceptical girl whose doubts about the marvel of Christmas have been handed down by her no-nonsense, workaholic mother, Doris (Jessica Joslin). When neighbour Fred (Matthew Hawksley) hears of Susan’s lack of belief, he makes it his mission to change this.
A magical unveiling of Ciaran Bagnall’s charming toy shop set promises something wonderful, with floor-to-ceiling shelves brimming with teddy bears, footballs and rocking horses. Sadly, this is where the enchantment ends.
In a curious diversion from the original plot, Susan and Fred begin as complete strangers in this version. This makes him spiriting her away to the New York parade more than a little perturbing. It also means Doris and Fred spend the entire first half as feuding adversaries rather than potential lovers.
Where the main plot lumbers, the side plots totally drag; occasionally being thrown back into modern-day Britain doesn’t help this sluggish pacing. Macy’s Head of Toys- Shellhammer (Stephanie Hockley) – attempting to flog several thousand alligators and psychologist Sawyer (Ida Regan) doing her best to section Santa make for mind-numbing watching.
Outfits lack sparkle – as does chemistry between any of the performers – and the story-within-a-story approach makes no sense. Budget for the set becomes perceptibly stingier than a pay packet from Scrooge when Father Christmas first makes his way onto the stage not by sleigh, but by tricycle.
The on-stage band does what it can with a bland score, but jarring lyrics about Coca Cola and Pepsi Max prevent any song from feeling like a merry bop. They’re often delivered hastily and without finesse.
A festive flop.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ continues at HOME, Manchester until 31st December with tickets available from https://homemcr.org/production/miracle-on-34th-street/
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 11th December 2024
North West End UK Rating:
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