REVIEW: Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits, St James Studio ✭✭✭

Charlotte Wakefield, Stefan Bednarczyk and Issy Van Randwyck. Photo: Mark Douet

Hutchinson has produced an unusual Christmas confection: part song, part recitation, part reminiscence and part cheeky indulgence. Using material ranging from Coward’s own diaries and writings, through Charles Dickens, Dylan Thomas and Ben Johnson to reportage and obscure/familiar (depending on your education) literary works and sprinkled with well known, popular songs, the result is a true alternative to the usual seasonal pantomime fare.