There’s ‘snow’ business like White Christmas at The Lowry
The Lowry starts its tenth anniversary on a high with the North West première of White Christmas selling out and becoming the biggest box-office success the arts venue has ever enjoyed.
Since this Christmas cracker went on sale over 77,000 visitors have bought tickets. The Lowry was always sure it would have a hit with Irving Berlin’s dazzling musical based on the classic 1954 movie. But with the public clamouring for tickets, the show, produced by Michael Rose Limited and Chris Moreno, has proven a record-breaker.
David Fry, The Lowry’s Head of Theatre’s Programming, commented:
“Having seen the show nearly four years ago in the US it was a dream come true to finally see this wonderful production on our stage. Not only was it much more sophisticated than the original it also had a truly talented cast and company. I’m personally delighted that North West audiences have had a chance to see it and we hope it won't be the last time the show comes to The Lowry!”
The talented line-up included TV personality Aled Jones, former member of the pop group Hearsay and winner of ITV’s Dancing on Ice 2008, Suzanne Shaw and international dance star Adam Cooper.
Michael Rose, White Christmas Producer, said “I am thrilled that in such difficult economic times – and this being the year before its West End debut - that we have sold out at The Lowry this year. The show has never been in better shape – the cast and crew are truly fabulous – this backed up by the wonderful team at The Lowry has ensured the success of the show. I couldn’t be happier.”
With an ensemble of more than thirty and a dynamic 17-piece orchestra, this multi-million pound production brimmed with classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean, Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas. It tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the process.
Robert Robson, The Lowry’s Artistic Director, commented:
“The success of White Christmas is a great start to The Lowry’s tenth anniversary, exceeding even our high expectations. I’d like to thank all those customers who visited during its run and I look forward to welcoming many more customers through our doors during 2010.”
White Christmas was first brought to the UK stage in 2006 by the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, appearing at the Plymouth Theatre Royal and The Mayflower Theatre Southampton. In 2007 it broke box office records at the Edinburgh Playhouse and Wales Millennium Centre. It played to sold out houses at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway (outselling Wicked) for the holiday season 2008/09.
Posted on Monday, 04 January 2010 under Press Theatre Press