Review: Noël Coward's Christmas Spirits at the St James Studio

Noël Coward's Christmas Spirits
St James Studio
Reviewed on Wednesday 10th December 2014
★★★

Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits is a delightful little show. Written and directed by Nick Hutchison, the piece is told through song, poetry and prose. 

Set in December 1940 during the Blitz, the piece sees Noël Coward in his flat using Madam Arcati – his own creation – to summon various voices to examine the spirit of Christmas through the ages... yes - it is all a little bizarre. 

Hutchison has pieced together a variety of excellent material; however, the piece’s structure is questionable and I think it would work far better as a light-hearted musical revue. It is almost taking itself a little too seriously. The concept may be odd, but it is still very easy to watch. 

A man of many talents, Stefan Bednarczyk musically directs and stars in the piece. Opening the show with one of the evening’s highlights - Noël Coward's 'Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage' - Bednarczyk's bursts with old-school charm throughout, proving popular with the audience. 

Photo Feature: Charlotte Wakefield, Stefan Bednarczyk & Issy Van Randwyck rehearse Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits

Images have been released of Charlotte Wakefield, Stefan Bednarczyk and Issy Van Randwyck rehearsing for Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge). The show opens at the St. James Studio on Wednesday 10th December (previews from 8th December) and runs until 23rd December 2014.  

Written and directed by Nick Hutchison, with musical direction by Stefan Bednarczyk and design by Annie Gosney, Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits will take audiences on a "bittersweet festive journey". It is told through song, poetry and prose.