I spent most of December either in the pub or singing my heart out at one of the many carol services taking place in London this year. One highlight was when I mixed both beer and singing, thanks to John, who runs The Old Ship in Limehouse. Officially now a tradition, every year the choir from St Paul’s Shadwell take over the pub for a night of Christmas carols as part of a proper East End sing-along. It was absolutely delightful – the bar was buzzing, and the atmosphere was so festive with everyone in a super sparkly mood. It was my first year at this event, and I already have it in the diary for next year.
December hasn’t entirely been stuffed with Christmas parties, pantos and carol services. I did get to the theatre for a proper show or two as well. It was London’s turn to welcome Michael McKeever’s drama Daniels Husband, which opened at the Marylebone Theatre. Starring Joel Harper-Jackson, Luke Fetherston, Liza Sadovy and David Bedella, this is a potent exploration of gay love, commitment, and the meaning of marriage. There are no weak links in this powerful script that had me laughing, crying, judging and perhaps most interesting of all, thinking long after the curtain went down. Daniels Husband is on until the 11th January
I also had the pure joy and privilege of being able to see Paddington, which opened just in time for Christmas at the Savoy Theatre. It has received wall-to-wall 5-star reviews, with few critics able to find a single bad thing to say about this wonderfully formed and new musical. Tom Fletcher has written some of the most tender and heartwarming songs I’ve heard in a long time. Coupled with the most enchanting stage, costumes and story, this is going to be a sure-fire winner at the Olivier’s later this year. It has already been nominated for a handful of What’s on Stage awards, so I’m looking forward to seeing how many of the 14 nominations it walks away with when I attend the ceremony in March. I’m also excited to see how The Importance of Being Earnest will do after picking up five nominations. It’s currently running at the Noël Coward Theatre and stars Olly Alexander and Stephen Fry, having transferred from the National Theatre.
So as we start another year, there’s lots to look forward to – let’s just get through the drabbest of months beforehand. Happy January!
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