Photo Flash: Sir Derek Jacobi, Sam Tutty, Jessica Hynes, Simon Callow and More Perform at Riverside Studios

Check out production photos from The Mill at Sonning's production of HIGH SOCIETY from 29 November, 2023 to 20 January, 2024!

The Hall knew what they were doing when choosing their festive programming. All decked out with shiny trees and classy wreaths, it welcomed young and old in their most cheery gear. The sparkliest, reddest crowd with the most interesting and creative jumpers were eager to watch their favourite elf. Did they care that Benjamin Pope was directing the Philharmonia Orchestra, ready to dazzle with John Debney’s beautiful orchestrations? Probably not. They wanted a lovely family outing with a fancy backdrop and that’s exactly what they got. It was wonderful.

Five opera singers are holding out for a hero

It’s probably safe to assume that, for many people, December 2023 so far has not been “the most wonderful time of the year”; whether it’s miserable weather, unreliable train infrastructure, or any of the myriad other problems facing the world, the lead-up to this year’s Christmas festivities has not exactly been vintage. For one magical evening, however, Jamie Cullum managed to sweep that all aside and deliver a festive concert stuffed with pure joy.