With Christmas just around the corner, many of the audience at the Bridge House Theatre may be able to empathise with protagonist Carole’s disdain for the commercialism of the season. “It starts earlier and earlier every year” she cries. It’s a sentiment that – although relatable – we’ve heard before. Aside from an original and humorous number “I want to kill Bing Crosby”, Another Night Before Christmas merely re-treads already covered ground in the realms of festive theatre.

She hates Christmas. He’s a homeless stranger. He inexplicably knows details about her life, and is trying to convince her of the joys of the season. He says he’s Santa. She says he’s not Santa. He says he’s Santa. She says he’s not…you get the picture. The show continues in this vain – back and forth arguing over the existence of St. Nicholas – and aside from it being repetitive, it’s also been done before. The parallels to Miracle on 34th Street are evident, and even cited in the show. Whilst being inspired by cultural predecessors is acceptable, and even to be applauded, Carole’s role – her denial of her work colleague/male admirer; her repeated refrain “I grew up” – feels too similar to the role of Mrs. Walker in the original film, and requires further originality.

However, despite this retracing of seasonal sentiments, it cannot be disputed that Climar Production’s latest Christmas show is delivered by a double act of engaging performers; George Maguire and Rachael Wooding. Wooding is convincing in her role as Carole, managing to achieve a sense of realism especially during solo scenes. This sense of naturalism in Wooding’s spoken lines is impressive, yet at times feels disconnected to Another Night Before Christmas’ status as a musical. It feels jarring as the actors suddenly transition from a realistic scene into music and lyrics, staring vacantly into the distance instead of engaging with each other.

Maguire is also a natural performer, his ebullient personality so believable that one is almost convinced that it may reflect his real-life character. A bundle of energy, Maguire reimagines Father Christmas as a young “cheeky chappy” – comparable in temperament to your local friendly builder – until he emerges at the end in the infamous Santa suit with which we are all familiar. His comic timing is particularly impressive when after a long pause (preceded by a tense argument) he asks his female opposite “Would it help if you sat on my lap?”

It’s warm, humorous and relatable – Carole’s technical difficulties with her new security systems incur particular empathy – but it’s been done before. If you want to avoid the clichés and prosaic storylines then this isn’t the show for you. However if all you’re after is a humorous and familiar introduction to the Christmas festivities,  Another Night Before Christmas’ combination of capable actors and comic accents is sure to deliver.

Another Night Before Christmas is running at The Bridge House Theatre until December 23.

Photo: Robert Workman