THE MILL AT SONNING IS BACK DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST: GOLDEN AGE HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Picture this: a cosy riverside theatre, a delicious meal, and a heart-warming production of White Christmas. I’ve seen a few productions there this year, but White Christmas is without a doubt their best of 2024.

Now, confession time: I’ve never seen the film or stage show before this, so I went in completely fresh. The story, the music, the romance, it was like stepping into a vintage Christmas card. The cast were fantastic, with lovely chemistry between the couples that made the romance believable without ever feeling forced.

Gabriella Williams as Betty was a standout for me, her singing was stunning, and she brought real depth to the role. Shirley Jameson as Martha was another highlight, delivering humour and warmth in her scenes. Elliott Allinson as the frantic and stressed Mike, Lewis Rae as the laidback Ezekiel, it was a truly talented cast.

The singing across the board was beautiful, and those harmonies, loved them! The costumes were equally lovely, though if I’m being picky, some characters got more glamourous looks than others. And the set design really captures the charm of the store while still feeling fresh and festive. The little sprinkle of Christmas magic at the end was a beautiful touch… let’s just say you might notice a weather change.

The dance routines were beautifully choreographed, though a couple of them did feel slightly drawn out. There was one dancer that seemed just a touch out of sync with the rest of the cast. Noticeable if you were really paying attention (critic brain activated), but likely not something most would spot. The only other small hiccup for me was the start of the show. The musical intro stretched on longer than expected and I found myself thinking let’s start already.

Finally, a shoutout to the venue itself, because dinner at The Mill is part of the magic. The pre-show meal is always a treat, and the turkey dinner set the tone for a cosy, festive evening. Overall, White Christmas is a beautiful production that showcases everything The Mill at Sonning does so well. A stunning cast, gorgeous music, and just the right amount of festive sparkle. Perfect for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.

White Christmas is showing at The Mill at Sonning until 25 January.

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Photo Credit: Pamela Raith