'Can't Wait for Christmas' review

OUR VERDICT

It's true to say that the anticipation of a special occasion can bring both joy and stress before the event itself, and the lead-up to Christmas can be just as painful for excited children as it is for their harassed parents. And it's this feature that Imogen Bond and Tarek Merchant's delightful children's Christmas show brings to life at the Orange Tree Theatre.

It's a production that will charm 3-9 year-olds, as well as their accompanying grown-ups. 

Iniki Mariano holds the stage almost single-handedly as young Jessie, who is bored and frustrated with the wait for Christmas and some quality time with her hard-working father (played by André Refig). He pleads with her to find something to do to pass the time until he finishes one more job, and he leaves her with a tantalising, gift-wrapped box. She is so tempted to open it as soon as he has gone, but just in time sees that its label has a number 25 and the instruction to "find number 1". 

What follows turns designer Sasha Tanvi Mani's understated living-room set into a room-sized advent calendar, as Jesse gradually discovers another 24 numbered packages scattered around her home and sets off on a magical journey of imagination with the everyday objects that her father has packed in them. Here she engages the help of the young audience members in helping her find each package and, in doing so, leads them into her world. 

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Refig is only on stage at the beginning and the end as the father starts and finishes his work, but he plays a vital part from the side of the stage. He provides a lively and eclectic musical accompaniment to Jessie's adventures that serve as a narration to the plot as she finds and opens each package. 

The music brings alive each imagined episode, from building a snowman and driving a motorised blanket, to launching a thermos flask into space and a bringing about a romantic reunion between two separated mittens (with a Brief Encounter refrain that the grown-ups will appreciate).

The brussels sprouts section deserves special mention, and may even persuade some reluctant youngsters to give them a try this year.  

The Orange Tree's intimate setting is the perfect place for this beautifully simple, gently interactive show. The younger members of the audience are quickly onside with Jessie's hunt, and Mariano's performance has the right innocent feel for them to engage with her. 

The grown-ups will enjoy the clever staging and the increasing confidence of their youngsters' participation and should appreciate the adroit gathering up of Jessie's items in the finale, as her father finishes his work and the final box is opened. 

The 45-minute running time is just right for younger concentration spans, and everyone should leave the theatre with a smile on their face - and many with a sprout in their pocket.

14-29 December, Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond (book here)