As most colleges and schools wind down for Christmas, Stratford-upon-Avon College’s Performing & Production Arts students cranked it up as they brought their Christmas Variety to the stage.
Combining the talents of the Backstage Production Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre departments, the students held nothing back in this festive feast as they performed in an amazing array of acts, with some Christmassy surprises thrown in for good measure.
Beginning with a stunning light and sound show, Backstage Production Arts students Charlie Davis on lights and JJ Lines on sound created a spectacular technical show centred on the Christmas tree centre piece on stage. Including a range of classic Christmas hits, the stage was lit up with spotlights, gobos, and haze to get everyone in the Christmas frame of mind.
At the end of the first number, the stage went to black and the first performance began. In the darkness voices rang out as the students sang a hauntingly beautiful choral arrangement of Carol of the Bells; showcasing tight, crisp harmonies lit by candlelight.
Then the show began in earnest as comedic compere Phoebe Gadsby entered the stage. With jokes a plenty, she kept the show moving, and move it did! With pace and energy, the audience were transported to a winter wonderland of performances.
From comedy duo Now You Tree Me, to beautiful vocal performances in Frosty the Snowman, Shaking the Blues Away, Winter Wonderland and the Christmas Song (sang in French no less!) and a stunning range of dancing from the Tiller Girls and Wooden Toy soldiers, this spectacular show had something for everyone.
The students were able to showcase a range of talents including mime in a beautiful clown performance, tap dancing whilst skipping, baton twirling and a range of acrobatics. The show kept us in the 1950s throughout with a highlight being the jazzy jingle bells trio performing classic 50’s close harmonies. Audiences were also enthralled with a hilarious boom whacking rendition of the twelve days of Christmas. And to add to the Christmas spirit the audience were even treated to a visit by not one, or two but thirty Santas in a jiving jazz routine.
And to close the show, audiences got to go to a real Winter Wonderland as the full ensemble sang a rendition of the classic number and snow fell from the rafters.
Have a look at some of the incredible acts
Audiences got the white Christmas they were dreaming of in this stunning snowy showcase and the whole production was a tinsel-clad testament to the talent of all the performers and production team. Thanks to this show, everyone will indeed have a very merry Christmas!
