Every December, I try to see at least one “Christmassy” show. Often, it’s an adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’; I have a soft spot for Charles Dickens’ classic novel and the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. This year, however, a new opportunity came my way: a stage production of ‘White Christmas’.

I love the film – who doesn’t? – and have a big soft spot for both Michael Brandon and Brenda Edwards, so this show was always going to be a winner for me. Yes, the plot is paper-thin and yes, ‘White Christmas’ stands head and shoulders above the rest of the soundtrack – but the excellent choreography, glamorous costumes and the warmth & exuberance expressed by the cast elevate this West End production into something special.

Danny Mac, Danielle Hope, Dan Burton and Clare Halse prove just as engaging as Brandon and Edwards; indeed, the entire cast look as though they’re having the time of their lives. As did the audience: looking around me, I could see tiny tots through to the very elderly singing along as if their lives depended upon it. This is a real crowd-pleaser.

The show is funny, as befits a Christmas musical, but has a sadness at its core: the opening scenes remind us of the sacrifices made by so many during World War II – and how their repercussions continued to be felt in the following decades.

It’s Christmas-time, however, which means that we’re allowed to be joyful. Seventy years after Michael Curtiz’s ‘White Christmas’ film was released, we’re still dreaming of that elusive snow…something I suspect will never change. It’s not looking likely that our dream will come true this year; not in London, at any rate – but inside the Dominion Theatre snow did actually fall, as the cast performed Irving Berlin’s nostalgia-laden classic at the end of this glorious show.

And yes, we did all cry.

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.