SANTA’S WISH is one of three shows being staged in the first ever CARDIFF CASTLE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, the first of those has now finished (The Nutcracker). Performed in the beautiful and intimate space of a Spiegeltent within the grounds of Cardiff Castle, this heart-warming family musical adventure, enriched with original songs, immersive storytelling and a sprinkling of circus magic is guaranteed to leave the whole family bursting with festive joy and happiness.
Santa’s Wish tells the enchanting story of Snowflake and her journey to becoming one of Santa’s elves.
We were there for one of the first performances of this brand new show and can tell you, it is something really special. The story, music, cast and the incredible setting, all go to make this a truly magical Christmas experience.
After the show we spoke to some of the audience to see what they thought of SANTA’S WISH, including Welsh Operatic star SIR BRYN TERFEL who was there with his family to kick off the festive proceedings in true musical style.
This is a Christmas story which feels familiar and yet is all shiny and new. It’s also a tale packed with fun and laughter, great songs and dancing, but most importantly, real heart. For me, there has never been a better, or more appropriate time for a Christmas story like this, and audiences of all ages loved it.
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 a wonderful young lady, Lily, whose mission is to spread joy at Christmas time.
Welsh television and stage actor, DYFRIG MORRIS plays the role of Santa. He’s starred in numerous plays, musicals and pantomimes across the UK and has appeared on TV in The Crown and Hinterland/Y Gwyll. His stage credits include The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale (RSC);The Jungle Book (Royal & Derngate/Fiery Angel/CTP); Candylion, (National Theatre Wales); James and the Giant Peach, Of Mice and Men (West Yorkshire Playhouse).
Dyfrig told us……
“I’m so happy to be back in Cardiff after many years away and can’t think of a better way to return than bringing the wonder of Christmas and the joy of music to my hometown with this spectacular gem of a show”.
Cardiff actress and singer MILLIE DAVIES is the loveable Snowflake. Millie was a soloist at the Live Under the Stars concert at Cardiff Castle for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and guest soloist at the Southwark Playhouse in London in A Night at the Musicals. She also performed as a soloist at the BBC Welsh Family Proms and in Hello Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre. She has appeared in numerous musicals and pantomimes in Wales and England.
Millie said…….
“I’m thrilled to be playing the part of Snowflake in Santa’s Wish at the first Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival. As a Cardiff girl who loves Christmas, I’m so pleased to be spending the festive season performing at Cardiff Castle. I can’t wait to bring a little Snowflake magic to the capital city this December!”
As you can see from our video the audience loved this new festive experience. The show itself is something the whole family will enjoy. It’s colourful and fun, with songs which feel instantly familiar – I was singing along (badly) and hadn’t even heard them before. The cast are first class and it is really nice to hear so many Welsh voices on stage.
The production feels completely immersive, especially when the cast venture into the audience, stopping occasionally to gesture to the very excited children, and me and Bryn Terfel to be fair, and we loved it too.
I’ve spoken about the spiegeltent in other features, and a visit to the show is made even more special inside this completely new and uniques venue for the city. Coming through the Castle gates is always an exciting experience, enter the magical world of the Christmas Festival in the spiegeltent and I promise it is like no other venue you’ll have seen before. It lends itself perfectly to this, and the other productions it’s hosting.
Santa’s Wish is a singing and dancing delight and will make all your Christmas dreams come true. If you ask who’s it for, the answer is simple, quoting young Master Tim from another festive favourite, Everyone……..
SANTA’S WISH runs through to Saturday 31st December, with a variety of performance times to suit all the family. Tickets range from £8.50 to £30. Booth tickets are priced at £25.00 per seat (based on booking of 6 seats). Booking Fees Apply.
For tickets and more information, go HERE.
The performance on Sunday 11th December at 12pm will be a relaxed performance with BSL interpretation by Tony Evans. The venue is accessible for wheelchairs. Please message the team with any specific requirements – info@thecastle.wales or give them a call on 029 2152 0052
You can also see what it’s like inside the Spiegletent in our feature with the show producers HERE.
