White Christmas, Dominion Theatre review ★★★★★

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas then head to the Dominion Theatre this winter, where the classic musical is revived with nostalgic charm.

The Made at Curve production comes to the West End after impressing in Leicester, where critics enthused about a 'meltingly lovely' 'treat for the eyes and ears', which offers 'pure escapism'.

The London production delivers on dreamy festivity, but doesn’t have enough oomph to really fill the vast stage at the Dominion. The big dance numbers are aren’t quite big enough or slick enough to create an atmosphere, and if you’re not totally invested in the 50s cutesiness it can get a little irritating.

Nonetheless, Irving Berlin’s songbook has enough classics to win over most Scrooges. The emphasis is on energetic ensemble numbers more than nuanced narrative, and director Nikolai Foster leans into this nostalgia in his production. The stage shifts from the bright neon lights of Broadway to the rusticity of an old barn in Vermont, ending, naturally with a flurry of a fake snow.

While nothing can match Bing Crosby’s crooning in the 1954 film version, stage stalwart and Strictly Come Dancing star Danny Mac (Sunset Boulevards, On The Town, Wicked) holds his own as Bob Wallace, with strong support from West End regular Dan Burton (Jersey Boys, Gypsy) as Phil Davis.

When these two soldiers turned entertainers end up spending the holiday season in Vermont, they are surprised to see their gallant army general as a struggling inn-keeper. To boost morale and show appreciation for the general, Bob and Phil decide to organise a large-scale revue show in his honour. Though a pair of attractive sisters and unseasonably warm weather provide some dramatic hi-jinks, ultimately the show must go on.

Tickets for White Christmas at Dominion Theatre are now on sale. Click here to book.