Page 199 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

18 December 2023

'The Spirit of Christmas' at Liverpool

Philharmonic Hall

18th December 2023

By Peter Grant, theatre critic

A welcoming brass band outside the Philharmonic Hall provided a
charming and stirring festive curtain-raiser to this year's much-loved

and anticipated Spirit of Christmas shows.

I was hoping for snow to complete the picture, but it didn't matter. Once
inside the Phil it feels as if you have stepped into a giant snow globe.

The annual series of concerts are warm, sparkling occasions that are a
must for families, friend reunions and any tinsel-coated get-together.

They have been meticulously planned each year to offer something for
everyone and they never fail to be a celebration of all that is great about

Merseyside talent.

Two Christmas trees either side of the stage along with back projections
of the nativity, religious icons and other Yuletide scenes contribute to the

intimate atmosphere.

The words for traditional and non-traditional songs are displayed, too, for
those who want to join in. It's not compulsory, but happily you can't help
yourself being part of a communal sing song.

Everything about the Spirit of Christmas shows is about individual and

collective celebration.

The compere is TV presenter Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason in her second year
as the affable host following on from John Suchet's decade at the helm.