REVIEW - PICTURE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

I didn’t even realise there was a theatre in the National Gallery. It’s a surprisingly comfortable and intimate theatre tucked away in the Salisbury Wing. You are immediately welcomed with an utterly delightful photo opportunity – a chance to be a part of the beautiful painting that has inspired this entire production.

The play opens with a beautifully festive set by Jill Wilson including the snow-capped pink castle taking its inspiration from the painting itself. The castle then transforms into an enchanted woodland as our heroes (Ciaran McCormack as Frederick and Elizabeth Coverdael as Maaike) must find their way home after being trapped by the evil Engleberg (brilliantly played by Richard Holborn), a fiendish icy foe with awful jokes determined to keep his land in perpetual winter. Who can save them from eternal winter? A band of wise woodland folk, obviously, and a plea to the big red suited man himself.

It is definitely a children’s show with the classic interactions of a panto but without the innuendo or smut to appeal to the adult audiences – and that’s fine. It doesn’t need to; it sits beautifully in family theatre. The one hour run time makes it suitable for tots to teens. There was a clear relaxed nature to the audience – this is a place for your family to cheer and boo and sing along. The story has a clear emphasis in children’s empowerment throughout with songs such as ‘small but mighty’ and ‘be bold and brave’ giving the message to children about believing in themselves. The characters of Stag and Father Christmas talk about big emotions and the importance of pausing before taking action.

I was impressed by the costumes: Engelberg’s make-up and costume is a glittery delight, and Squirrel’s autumn leaf tale has a lovely woodland touch. Stag’s regal golden antlers and star-patterned dress exude warmth and pride. There is clear attention to the costuming which I really appreciated.

Though the piece is said to be inspired by the painting, there isn’t as much of the painting in the piece as I would have expected. Though we start in the world of the painting, we are then transported to a winter forest, and the storyline continues from there. Frederick, Maaike, and the townsfolk’s clothing could be out of the painting, and a throw-away line about mending some ice skates, a tenuous link to the title of the painting, is there, but that’s where the painting’s influence seemingly begins and ends. Some information about the writing and design process in the programme would be a nice addition. It is a lovely, well-executed Christmas tale but could have used any Christmas/vaguely wintery painting as its starting point.

Edward Court’s music is delightful; the songs are incredibly catchy and this allows the audience to join in some lovely harmonies from McCormack & Coverdale. Don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy the rest of the National Gallery before or after your show. The paining itself is in Room 16 if you are interested in seeing the inspiration for this very sweet piece of theatre.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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