The CARDIFF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL is fast approaching and with it comes one of last years highlights, SANTA’S WISH. It’s a magical family musical, back by popular demand following a triumphant debut last year, telling the enchanting story of Snowflake and her journey to becoming one of Santa’s elves.

You can look back at our review of last years production HERE.

Santa’s Wish at Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival (Photo: Natalie Johnson Rolley)

Written by MATTHEW & LAURA BRIND this festive family favourite sees the return of Welsh television and stage actor DYFRIG MORRIS and Cardiff actress and singer MILLIE DAVIES playing the lead roles of Santa and Snowflake. 

They’ll be joined by new cast members ALEX ROBERTS who plays the roles of Crackers the Elf and Freddy; BRIANA PAINE who plays the roles of Tinsel the Elf and Lily; and LISA DAVIES who plays the roles of Jingel the Elf and Eddie.

Santa’s Wish is one of five shows being staged at this year’s Cardiff Christmas Festival. Performed in the beautiful, heated 548-seat Fortuna Spiegeltent within the grounds of Sophia Gardens, this heart-warming family musical adventure is packed with fun and colour, original catchy songs, immersive storytelling, and a sprinkling of circus magic. 

Landing on the edge of the warming ice cap, Snowflake melts into the ocean and travels on an extraordinary and vibrant journey around the world as she struggles to make it back to the North Pole and reach Santa Claus. On her journey she meets various characters, including fellow elves Tinsel, Crackers and Jingel, and a wonderful young lady called Lily whose mission is to spread joy at Christmas time. 

The original show was created by Laura Brind as piece of ‘doorstep’ theatre during the pandemic to spread festive joy and cheer to the community during lockdown. Santa’s Wish was a huge success at the inaugural Cardiff Christmas Festival 2022, securing rave press reviews and with a huge demand for tickets.

Matthew Brind told us…..

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Santa’s Wish back for a second year at Cardiff Christmas Festival. This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever. Some amazing new actors are joining our elf crew and we’ve written a brand-new song for 2023 which we can’t wait for everyone to hear. Cardiff, watch out … Santa’s sleigh is going to be crash landing soon!”

Santa’s Wish at Cardiff Christmas Festival runs from 1st through to 24th December. Adding to the festive experience, outside the Spiegeltent will be a festival village area with seasonal artisan street food from Dough Thrower and Traditional Sausage Grills. Licensed bars will serve draught beers, wines, and warm drinks such as gluhwein, spiced cider, and luxury hot chocolate. 

The venue is fully accessible and there are baby change facilities and a buggy park on site.  Santa’s Wish on Sunday 10th December at 12pm and 2.30pm will be Relaxed Performances with BSL interpretation by Tony Evans. 

Cardiff Christmas Festival promises festive entertainment for everyone. It also includes a brand-new production of Castellana which was the talk of Cardiff last year; the Comedy Cracker in support of Shelter Cymru on 2nd December, My My! ABBA – the Christmas Concert on 10th December; and two sold out shows from Welsh of the West End on 17th and 18th December. 

For information, including tickets, visit HERE. Tickets start at £15. Booking fees apply. Group bookings should call on 02921 520052 during office hours or email groups@thecastle.wales

The venue is accessible for wheelchairs. Please message the team with specific requirements – info@thecastle.wales or call them on the number above.