The holiday season in Adelaide is set to sparkle a little brighter this year with the arrival of “Christmas Actually,” a live musical extravaganza that brings the beloved soundtrack of “Love Actually” to life on stage.
The show, created by the acclaimed team behind “Rumour Has It” and “Lady Beatle,” has already garnered rave reviews, with Time Out giving it a five-star rating and Limelight and ArtsHub not far behind.
Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM leads an all-star cast in this festive celebration, which promises to deliver a sleigh-load of comedy, charm, and all the hit songs from the holiday classic film.
Audiences can expect to hear Mariah Carey’s festive anthems alongside classics by Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles.
These tunes will be brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and superstar vocalists, including Josh Robson from “Phantom of the Opera,” Irena Lysiuk from “The Sunshine Club,” and JD Smith from “The Ten Tenors.”
Critics have hailed it as a flawless production that brings joy into people’s lives, with Time Out stating, “It’s difficult to find any flaws in the way this show is constructed and calibrated.”
“At a time when there’s much in the world to be genuinely terrified about, Christmas Actually is our gift of unashamed entertainment and escapism. Over the next 90 minutes, we hope you’ll kick your heels up, let your hair down, and lose yourself in this remarkable soundtrack and our exceptional cast,” said creators Naomi Price & Adam Brunes.
“It’s been 20 years since the release of Richard Curtis’ instant holiday classic, Love Actually; yet it remains as poignant and powerful as ever. Its beauty, we think, is that for every tale of love, there’s another about heartbreak.”
“There’s a widower grieving the death of his wife while trying to connect with his son; a husband (the late, great Alan Rickman) straying from his devoted wife; and a man in love with his best friend’s wife. Its love of all kinds – platonic love between a rockstar and his manager; ‘unrequited’ pre-teen love; the uncompromising, self-sacrificing love between siblings. There are ten completely different love stories but something in each that we can connect with.”
The creative team behind “Christmas Actually” includes The Little Red Company’s founders Naomi Price and Adam Brunes, with lighting by Sam Gibb and sound design by Geoff McGahan. The show’s imagery, captured by Dylan Evans, sets the tone for a production that’s both whimsical and touching.
With a running time of 90 minutes and no interval, the show is recommended for audiences aged 13 and above, due to coarse language and adult themes. It’s a production that promises to dazzle with strobe lighting, haze, and a festive atmosphere that includes confetti and simulated shellfish.
As the 20th anniversary of “Love Actually” approaches, this production is a timely tribute to the film’s enduring message about the various shades of love.
For those eager to start the holidays with a burst of joy and music, tickets for “Christmas Actually” are available now.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this heartwarming holiday event—book your tickets today!
Christmas Actually is on Friday 8 December, for one night only at Her Majesty’s Theatre, tickets available through Ticketek. Click here.
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