An overture of familiar tunes sets the tone for this classic favourite, which has been brought to Bolton's amateur stage.

Singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis join sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into General Waverly, the boys' commander in World War II who they learn is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. They soon create a plan to produce a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's sure to put Waverly and his business in the black.

Steve Benson is on form as Bob Wallace who sings effortlessly throughout. Tristan Nixon is equally as strong as Phil Davies, making this double act complete. Nixon also proves to be light on his feet as he taps us through the company number I Love a Piano.

The Haynes sisters were safe in the hands of Adrienne Wormald, who gave Betty the demure elegance needed along with great vocals. Vicki Wilson's portrayal of Judy was just right as she bags herself a man along with a contract to perform. These four leads were well cast and complemented each other perfectly.

Supporting characters by Kathy Turton as the vivacious Martha, Mike Taylor as Retired General Waverly, Andrew Turton as a rather flamboyant producer and David Wilson as Ralph Sheldrake gave added strength to this production. All were ably assisted by youngster Lizzie Glover as Susan who sang and acted her heart out.

The ensemble were well drilled and looked great in an array of costumes that added colour to the piece.

The orchestra, led by Mike Pinder were spot on, as are the great vocals and harmonies. White Christmas as an ensemble piece at the end of the show brought the house down — a real Christmas treat.

Choreography by Lara Crombie-Sydall brought to life such numbers as I Love a Piano with the entire company tapping their way through this all time favourite.

Director Nora Howcroft has brought Christmas early to an appreciative capacity audience who were not disappointed.

If you want your spirits lifting from the dismal weather and a boost in time for Christmas then don't miss it. Paul Cohen

The warm, cosy glow of Christmas spread across Bolton last night with the sell-out opening performance of Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s stunning production of Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’.

The production by Director Nora Howcroft, Choreography by Lara Crombie-Syddall and the orchestra led by Musical Director Mike Pinder came seamlessly together to give a performance that was worthy of The West End or Broadway.

The four leading Characters, Steve Benson as Bob Wallace, Tristan Nixon as Phil Davis, Adrienne Wormald as Betty Haynes and Vicki Wilson as Judy Haynes were outstanding. All four of them could act, sing and dance to an exceptionally high standard; just brilliant.

Mike Taylor as General Waverly and Kathy Turton as Martha (The Megaphone) Watson also turned in great, credible performances and young Lizzie Glover as Susan Waverly showed us what a beautiful singing voice she has.

David Wilson (Ralph Sheldrake), Andrew Turton (Mike Nulty),David Witt as Ezekiel along with all the other sub-principal roles showed what a wealth of home-grown talent there is within this society.

And to add to this the whole company sang and danced their hearts out.

Costumes, Staging, Lighting, Sound and Make-up were excellent and this all added to the final scene when the whole company came on dressed in glittering red and white costumes to sing a lovely, lump-in the-throat arrangement of ’White Christmas’. Then the audience was treated to the snow falling on the set with dazzling snow effect projected around the auditorium. This finale was marvellous.

This show was pure magic and with a plethora of well known songs, it was executed by a team of wonderful magicians. This was live theatre at its best. Congratulations to Walmsley Church AODS for this breathtaking experience.

This show is the best that I have seen in a long time. Brilliant!!!!!

With a super cast, great orchestra, a very hardworking back stage crew, who had so many set changes, how could this not be a success.

The four leads were so well cast and all fantastic. Taking the lead of Bob Wallace was Steve Benson who as I have come to expect, was wonderful. His friend and partner, Phil Davis, was well played by Tristan Nixon. His vocals, acting and dancing were exceptional.

Playing the two sisters Betty and Judy Haynes were Adrienne Wormald and Vicki Wilson. They perfectly complemented the two men. Lovely performances.

Two smaller principals, Mike Taylor and Kathy Turton gave good characterisations as General Henry Waverley and Martha Watson. I must congratulate Lizzie Glover on her brilliant portrayal as Susan Waverley. For someone so young, to be so comfortable on stage, it bodes well for the future. Well done Lizzie.

Without giving the story away, some of the songs are amongst the most popular ever sung. Included are such numbers as 'The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing', 'Count Your Blessings', 'Blue Skies', 'I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm' and of course 'White Christmas'.

I am sure everyone came out with a smile on their face, I know I did.

Thank you, I had a wonderful evening. Jackie Kay

Thursday 25th January 2016

A BOLTON theatre group is celebrating after receiving a record 10 nominations for this year's NODA North West awards.

Walmsley Church AODS have scooped the nominations for their production of White Christmas at the prestigious National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards, the first time that any group has been nominated for 10 awards.

This is the first time that any group has ever picked up so many for one production.

Walmsley officials including director Nora Howcroft, musical director Mike Pinder and choreographer Lara Crombie-Syddall have all been nominated in different categories.

Members of the society will attend the grand finals which reward the best local amateur theatre companies in the North West, at the Mercure Hotel in Manchester on May 1.

Nora Howcroft said: "It's amazing. We have received the most nominations any theatre group has ever had in one go.

"We had some fantastic feedback about the show with many saying it was as good, if not better, than some professional productions of White Christmas they had seen. But we never believed that we would get all these nominations. We're gobsmacked."

The nominations are for best musical, best staging, sound and lighting, best artistic direction of a musical (Nora Howcroft), best musical direction (Mike Pinder), best choreography (Lara Crombie-Syddall), best leading male actor in a musical (Steve Benson), best leading female actor in a musical (Adrienne Wormald), best supporting male actor in a musical (Tristan Nixon), best supporting female actor in a musical (Vicki Wilson) and best female youth performer in an adult production (Lizzie Glover).

Nora said: "We are really looking forward to going to the awards night. I am one of the first to say that there is so much talent in Bolton.

"More than 100 years ago Bolton Operatic Society was one of the founding societies in NODA, so it is great to be recognised at such a prestigious ceremony."