The allure of the holidays blasts onstage through this new immersive experience taking us to the realm of wishes and fantasy. Guillermo Nazara takes on a ride through this production currently playing until the end of the season, to let us know what sort of proof lies in this pudding.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go...
And the Grinches come into town
Exposing their usual frown
Scared of those who may cry: ho-ho-ho!
Shall I take my bow now…? Understood. It’s okay. No hard feelings (you’re so going in the naughty list this year…). Anyway. The thing is that, no matter where you look, no matter where you walk (I’m coming for you…), you can’t escape the enchantment of the holiday season – scenting the streets of London with its signature pizzazz, and reminding us of that little spot within our hearts where dreams still dwell; and the hope that someday they will come true.
Legend says that fairies are born from a child’s first laughter. Can wishes, then, be the origin for something just as wondrous? The answer may lie beyond the gates of an old, abandoned factory hidden within the vaults of Waterloo. Welcome to Wishmas, a new immersive theatrical event taking you on a quest through the North Pole, to help Santa’s entourage preserve the fantasy of the Christmas spirit – and perhaps, even meeting with the big man (no pun intended) himself.
The commonness of the everyday world fades away as a different reality unravels before our eyes. We’re not in Kansas anymore… cuz this is England. But maybe, that’s been left behind too… A colourful, glittering universe unfolds, welcoming us in as the sweet smell of cinnamon intoxicates our senses. We may not be home, but in a strange way we feel as we’re somewhere we’ve been before – the place where our fantasies live on.
As we’re introduced to Santa’s workshop, a staggering adventure commences. Take the Glaciar Express (the movie beat us to the originally intended name) and fly up to Santa’s headquarters. But careful! You may have an important task to undertake. What would happen if all the petitions he receives suddenly go unrealised? Only you can help Santa and his elf team recover all the lost wishes and save the magic of the holidays. Are you up to this tiny challenge?
Featuring intricate theming, engaging storytelling and the most infectious cast you could ever find in the North Pole, the show is a frosty, tinsel reverie of wonder and illusion. Extremely interactive, thrilling and, above all, incredibly fun, this journey into the land of Santa Claus will also serve as trip back in time for the grown ones – travelling into the memories of those purer, simpler childhood moments we may think lost, but experiences like this will make us remember they still are a big part of ourselves.
Emotion, excitement and a good bunch of laughter will embroider the festivities through this definitely must-see montage. A treat to the whole family (and certainly, the most Christmassy gift you could think of this year), Wishmas jingles all the way by bringing out the warmth and joy of the season through this shivering and most charming ride. Believer or not, you’ll still be covered in its fairy dust way after you leave (and perhaps a bit of fake snow, but that’s another topic). The ice has already melted and there’s nothing we can do about its pop ambassador (don’t risk being one of those pumpkins…). But as for the stage, this may be all you want for Christmas.
All pictures credit to Matt Crockett.
Wishmas plays at London’s Old Bauble Factory until 7 January. Tickets are available on the following link.