The Cromer Christmas Show
Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre
'Sparklejollytwinklejingley' they sang, from the musical Elf, as the curtain rose on first night - pretty much summing up the feel and tempo of the whole show.
With Black Friday and grey November behind us, it's time for colour and warmth, and the cast delivered a Santa's sleigh full of both.
They radiated a collective energy and sense of fun which made the audience feel as if we'd just enjoyed a lip-smacking goblet of mulled wine.
The family variety show was a visual delight with gorgeous and ever-changing costumes, excellent sets and effective lighting.
And the stage was constantly filled with action, deftly paced to balance fast dance routines with slower sketches and magic.
Nothing's perfect and at times the sound was a little unbalanced and the dry-ice machine was a little too energetic, plunging the front few rows into Antarctica during Let It Go, from Frozen.
Cromer has come to expect top-quality dancers and this crew, choreographed as ever by Di Cooke, were bang on. Ballet, tap, jive - you name it, they did it, and well.
A snow ballet number and fast-clapping routine sitting on Christmas present boxes were especially memorable.
The dancers were joined for a lively rock'n'roll medley by children from Cromer's Marlene's School of Dancing whose performance showed that most could easily hold their own on the adult stage in a few years' time.
Lulu Alexandra and Keith Pemberton showed their versatility as both singers and dancers, and comedian, singer and magician Olly Day demonstrated exactly why he's a Cromer Pier favourite and veteran.
Olly held the show together in his customary laugh-a-minute, relaxed style and a multiple elves routine with fun magician Steve Zebs was different and very funny.
So, if you fancy, as the song continues, a bit of 'Razzledazzleringalingle' to brighten up the season, then tread the boards along the glorious length of the UK's Pier of the Year and, when you reach the end - have yourself a merry little Christmas.
The show runs until December 30 with matinées at 2.30pm, and 7.30pm evening shows. Tickets start at £10. For more information ring the box office on 01263 512495 or visit www.cromerpier.co.uk
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