It’s the most highly anticipated event on the Potters Theatre Company’s calendar. After months of planning, production and rehearsals, the much-loved annual Christmas Show is about to arrive for its 7-week run from mid-November. And from what we’ve seen, you won’t want to miss it!
If you’re joining us this festive season, Step Into Christmas is set to immerse you in the magic of the holidays. As with any production at Potters, you can expect a dazzling blend of music, dance, and hilarious moments. But when you add to the mix some heartwarming Christmas spirit, classic yuletide hits and scenes that will transport you to a winter wonderland, this brand new stage production will undoubtedly be the highlight of your Fully Inclusive Festive Break.
Step Into Christmas with the Potters Theatre Company this festive seasonJingle Bells… in July?
We caught up with Creative Producer Roxy Yarnold over a coffee, to find out all about it.
“Christmas is the biggest challenge. It would be easy to throw a bunch of Christmas songs together, but the festive theme behind the show is so important. Way more so than every other show. It’s one of the main reasons our guests choose Potters for that all-important festive getaway. The expectation is high, and it needs to feel cohesive.
“When you consider all the cogs turning, choreography, rehearsals, dress runs, sets and the technical elements, it all stems from that initial theme. And time moves pretty fast in our theatres, so we’ve got to give ourselves enough time to get it right.
“That said, it was probably a little strange for people to hear me drive past in July with my Christmas playlist blaring!”
Preparations for the new Christmas Show kicked off in the summer for RoxyRoxy goes on to explain how some highlights guests will enjoy within their break will be weaved into the performance.
“Step Into Christmas will feature on the final night of most Festive Breaks so we can build anticipation throughout, including a certain character who’ll be making a nuisance of himself right up until his moment under the spotlight!”
Around 300 hours are spent in vocal, choreography and tech rehearsalsBreaking it down
In terms of the set list, Step Into Christmas is a step away from festive shows of yesteryear.
“Having been a part of the show team in years gone by, it’s been a very different experience getting out of the performance mindset and into the creative one.
“But with a number of themed sections this year, the audience will enjoy a really immersive theatre experience. We’re shaking things up and taking guests on a Christmas journey, we truly want them to feel like they are stepping into Christmas. That’s what our breaks are about – getting in the spirit of things.”
The show’s introduction quickly sets the tone for the night ahead. Pure Imagination provides a magical opening, followed by Kelly Clarkson’s showstopper Underneath the Tree, and John Legend’s upbeat rendition of the Bing Crosby & Carol Richards 1950 classic, Silver Bells.
These are three songs that wouldn’t typically be side by side in a Christmas hits compilation. But the Potters Theatre Company manage to perfectly encapsulate the fantasy, celebration and heartwarming nature of this time of year.
Rock ‘n’ Roll, Movies and more!
Before long, you’ll be whisked off to 50s & 60s America for some Rock ‘n’ Roll festivities. Run Rudolph Run, Santa Baby, Elvis Presley’s Santa Claus is Back in Town and more are lined up for you on the jukebox.
Snuggling up with a movie is always a holiday season highlight. From classics adored by all ages to modern-day favourites, the show’s next section celebrates memorable moments in film. The Polar Express, The Sound of Music, Love Actually and White Christmas all feature, with amazing sets to boot.
The midway point sees some of the usual fun and games from your favourite faces, before the Potters Theatre Company go back to the classics in a jazz and swing section that features Let It Snow, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, to name just a few.
The Potters Theatre Company perform in the annual Christmas ShowAnd as this spectacular show draws to a close, there’s another nod to legend Bing Crosby as the team perform I’ll Be Home For Christmas, before a fitting finale including powerful vocal numbers Ave Maria and Hallelujah, that is sure to raise the roof.
Roxy continues: “The songs we’ve chosen really capture the joy of the season, and do so from a variety of decades. The choreography is exceptional, it’s a really lively performance with unforgettable moments. There are the usual comedy sketches too, so all things combined, it promises to fill you with festive cheer!”
Step Into Christmas will include lots of laughs to complement the music
Step Into Christmas in numbers
- 30 Hours in Show Preparation & Set List Creation
- 100 Hours in Set & Prop Design
- 60 Hours in Vocal Rehearsal
- 120 Hours in Choreography
- 80 Hours in Tech Rehearsal
- 24 Hours in Final Dress Run
- Approx 300 Costumes per Resort
- Over 40 Hours in Costume Fitting and Adjustments
- Approx 9,000 Costume Changes across the Festive Season
- Step Into Christmas appearing 30 times
- Over 750 Christmas Hits performed in total
Pssst… the night isn’t over…
Step Into Christmas will also be complemented by the popular Christmas Countdown on most Festive Breaks. So get ready to hit the dance floor as Potters Theatre Company vocalists let their hair down. With poppers and hats making their way around the theatre, it’s party time!
And don’t forget, the party always continues with Late Night Live in the Garden Bar too.
Guests can enjoy Fully Inclusive Festive Breaks from Monday 11th November 2024. Step Into Christmas will feature at Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes, on the final night of each break (with the exception of opening week at Five Lakes where it will launch on Tuesday 12th November, and on New Year’s Breaks when it will feature on Monday 30th December).
Click here to find out more.
