In a National Gallery first, you are invited to join us as larger-than-life characters step out of a masterpiece and embark on a magical Christmas adventure. A tale of friendship, mystery and festive spirit set in the 1600s.
This 60-minute musical show will unfold in the National Gallery’s theatre and is set inside the imagined world of one of the Gallery’s iconic paintings: Hendrick Avercamp’s ‘Winter Scene with Skaters near a Castle’.
Tonight we were guests of The National Gallery at the opening night of their new Christmas show, Picture Perfect Christmas. This is festive musical theatre inspired by a 17th century painting. A pantomime style play with jokes and riddles, dancing, singing, audience participation and a baddy to boo.
As with many baddies and bullies this one has a good heart and has just lost his way a little. He needs a helping hand from the children and Father Christmas to find his path again.
The play is filled with messages of kindness, courage and teamwork. The story also encourages us all to accept and celebrate our differences and to not be afraid of being individual.
The snowy scenes were set mostly in a wintery woodland and not on the icy lake depicted in Avercamp’s famous painting. The opening set was from the painting but it was not used very much in the performance which we thought was rather a shame.
There were many highlights for all of us watching the 60 minute production.
We all loved the Folk music, the singing with beautiful harmonies and instruments played live on stage. My children were singing their hearts out when invited to and the choruses were easy for children to learn and repeat. We sang all the way back to our train about Seasons Greetings and being brave and bold.
We all also very much enjoyed the merry festive singalong with Father Christmas and wished that had lasted a little longer.
We all enjoyed Engelbert the icy villain. I loved Badger who reminded me of Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons from Peaky Blinders. And I also really liked the Scottish Dancing Squirrel.
Much of the show reminded me of other things. It has elements of many classic wintery tales, Narnia, The Snow Queen, Jack Frost, The Snowman, Frozen. It is a magical festive musical show filled with merriment, humour and heart.
My 5, 8 and 12 year olds all loved the show and we would highly recommend going to watch it if you are in London.
Tickets are £15 which we thought was a really reasonable price especially as the theatre was so clean, comfortable and spacious.
What a wonderful way to start the Christmas celebrations!
Bea was on her feet clapping and beaming as the show ended She was enchanted by the acting, singing and dancing. She loved every minute of it.
Edie was sad when the show ended but only because what she really wanted was to watch it all again
A brilliant and beautiful winter’s tale.
Do catch it at The National Gallery if you can.