Cranford at Christmas (Review)

The company are used to outdoor performances, but chilly December weather means they have moved indoors for this tour, specifically to Mrs Matty (Kirsty Cox) ‘s tea shop.

Based on the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and adapted by writer Laura Turner, Cranford at Christmas is one for the older generation, who will appreciate the period costumes, the pretty set and the references to etiquette and society.

There’s something about the Victorians that make things feel festive, and there’s a seasonal atmosphere even before the end of the first scene.

The plot starts off gently, as we are introduced to the ladies of Cranford who are preparing for the village Christmas party when disaster strikes and they are forced to rearrange their plans.

The arrival of two mysterious gentlemen in the village leads to misunderstandings and romances, and by the second half the play really takes off.

Jenni Lea-Jones gives a hilarious performances as both Betty the housemaid, with her comical attempts to seduce a soldier, and as Mrs Jamieson, although the latter is rather upstaged by the cheeky puppet Peppo.

Village busybody Miss Pole, (Grace K Miller), is at first incredibly irritating with her incessant shrieking, nosying and exaggerated objections to practically everything and everyone, but as the play goes on she softens and the audience may even begin to feel some affection for her, like a female, high-pitched Ebenezer Scrooge.

Brief musical interludes give another dimension to the play and reveal that many of the actors are also talented singers, and of course it couldn’t be Christmas without some carols.

When the snow starts falling in the final scenes, there wasn’t a person in the house without a smile on their face and warm glow inside.

A lovely evening of good old-fashioned festive entertainment.