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This origin story, about how Saint Nicholas came to be an arctic-dwelling gift-giver with an army of elves, began as a children’s book by Matt Haig that was turned into a star-studded fantasy film with appearances by Maggie Smith and Jim Broadbent. Now we have the stage adaptation, which puts to music the tale of young Nikolas.
Aged 11, he is marooned in grief and loneliness after his mother is killed by a bear and his father takes off on an expedition to the North Pole to find the fabled villages of the elves. Nikolas (Devon Sandell, performing on press night and full of energy) follows his father northwards with his pet mouse Miika (Olivia Dickens), to meet a reindeer called Blitzen (Alexander Solly), the Truth Pixie (Daisy Chapman), the elves, and a bevy of other fantastical creatures.
This is the second musical in recent times that this theatre has adapted from a hit film that was itself based on a bestselling book. The first was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a charming adaptation that transfers to the West End next month. Lighting does not strike twice with Philip Wilson’s adaptation, which is not nearly as captivating.
It is performed by the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, and more than 70 young people do a heroic job. Visually it is delightful, both in its lovely costumes designed by Ryan Dawson Laight and vivid puppets designed by Charlie Tymms. Directed by Dale Rooks and set against Simon Higlett’s mobile stage design of icy wastes and fluttering snowflakes, it is a shame that some grownup professionals do not hold up their part of the bargain.
The script by Wilson is staid while the songs (music by Tom Brady with lyrics by Brady and Wilson) are strangely humdrum and samey, from the opening number, How Do You Do It, onwards. The choreography stays minimal and almost static, even at times when the story demands movement, such as during a chase involving a sleigh, and there are certainly no show-stopping song and dance numbers.
As a result there is little emotional catch or wonder, when the story should be infused with both elements. Nor is there jeopardy, even when the fearsome bear (George Stanbridge) and troll (Jack Walter-Nelson) make growling appearances.
In order to make magic, you have to really believe in it, we are told. This fantasy needs more, to make you believe in its Christmas magic.
