The Mill in Sonning hosts the charming and festive production by Irving Berlin this season of White Christmas. The story of two ex-army pals who decide to team up with a pair of sisters and put on a glamourous show to save their former General’s remote Vermont ski lodge which has fallen on hard times.

The two ex-army soldiers Wallace (Jason Kadji) and Phil Davis (Connor Hughes) decide to turn their hand to television and the entertainment industry after leaving the army, successful and influential. When they meet The Hayne’s sisters Betty (Gabriella Williams) and Judy Haynes (Nic Myers) they recognise that the sisters have what it takes to make it in the business.

When the girls arrive in Vermont at the Ski lodge the weather has been mild and the guests they were due to entertain all leave as it hasn’t snowed. The boys discover that their ex-General Waverly (Mark Curry) owns the lodge and that the business is failing.

Out of respect for the General, the boys pull in their television contacts along with the Haynes sisters and attempt to change the situation and fortunes of the Lodge. The road to success doesn’t run smoothly and the couples have a few hurdles to cross along the way. That’s show business!

Gary Lloyd’s choreography skills offer a range of incredible performances throughout the musical within the limited stage space that The Mill has to offer. The tap dance routines especially are enchanting and in abundance.

The versatility of the few pieces of stage furniture used on the stage throughout the performance by designer Jason Denvir allowed the audience to be completely transported from Vermont to New York and back again in a few seconds. There wasn’t anything brought onto the stage that wasn’t required or looked out of place.

Costume Designer Natalie Titchener has an eye for every detail for each costume. The trim finishes on all the outfits worn in each act matched for example the silver sparkling bands around the men’s trilby hats were the same trim used on the lady’s hair fascinators. The tiniest detail and colour matches all complimented one another which meant the audience wasn’t distracted by anything looking out of place and concentrated on the overall performance.

Director Jonathan O’Boyle has brought together a highly accomplished team of creatives and actors to bring White Christmas to life for 2024. This was the first time I had ever seen any version of this musical and I can wholeheartedly say that I loved every minute of it.

For more information about White Christmas and future productions for 2025  at The Mill Sonning please use the link below.

Five Stars.

Photo credit Pamela Raith.

White Christmas

Playing from

27th November until 25th January 2025.

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Based upon the Paramount Pictures film, written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN.

BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE.

Original stage production directed by WALTER BOBBIE.

Orchestrations Larry Blank.

Vocal and dance arrangements Bruce Pomahac.

Irving Berlin‘s classic Broadway musical is based on the beloved film. This heartwarming show, follows two World War II veterans as they team up with a sister act to save a local inn and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with so many memorable songs including “Blue Skies“; “Sisters“; “How Deep is The Ocean” – and of course “White Christmas“.

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE A DELICIOUS TWO-COURSE MEAL IN THE RESTAURANT BEFORE THE SHOW.
FOR MATINEE PERFORMANCES:
Restaurant is open and serving lunch from 12.15 pm – 2 pm Last orders at 1.15 pm


Performances starts 2.15pm
FOR EVENING PERFORMANCES
Restaurant open and serves dinner from 6.15pm – 8pm              

Last orders at 7.15 pm
Performance starts 8.15 pm