Watching The Santa Claus Show for the first time is akin to watching classics such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music on TV for the first time. They seem to have been around for ever, everyone talks about them and they form part of many Christmas memories for families. As one guy said to me after the show, “Christmas doesn’t start until we see The Santa Claus Show.”  

The beauty of the show is that no one can be immune to it. The story is simple: Kelly is greedy and writes a wish list to Santa longer than Len Brown’s expense claim. Consequently she gets transported to the North Pole to be taught the spirit of giving. Written by Tim Bray 21 years ago, the script thankfully avoids soppy sentimentality and cliché but delivers high on theatrical effect, magic and wonder.  

As an audience we’ve all been ‘in’ Christmas, we each have our own recollections and memories ignited by the show or we watch new ones hatch in our children’s minds. Either way is magical. 

Twins 1 and 2 were tired after a pretty long, hot and tiring day so with no day time sleep and excitement mounting, a 5pm show was sat down to with trepidation. Like all the kids around them, they shifted in their seats, ate their goodies before anything had happened and commented on the proceedings once it had. But their eyes never left the stage from curtain up. (A ‘curtain up’ – which unfortunately seems to be a dying art – still holds a thrill to me: what lies behind the curtain is half the magic.) 

Twin 1 was obsessed with Santa and where was he?!? Once he appeared he was one happy boy. Twin 2 sat goggle-eyed throughout, silently taking it all in. It will forever be one of my favourite memories, seeing his face light up, his eyes bulge in wonder and his mind open up and welcome the beauty of Christmas and a ‘real walking’ Santa into his life.  

It’s nice to know that all round us the ‘spark’ is being ignited in children as they watch the show. Their interaction and awe is as spellbinding for the adults as the show. One boy in our row is so into it he can’t help but leap to his feet, yelling instructions to the actors (there’s a theatre director in the making!). This simple acceptance of what is presented in front of children is the magic of Christmas we lose as adults.  

Tim Raby does a fine job as the man himself, throwing out just the right mix of cuddly-funnies and warmth. It’s great to have a story where Santa is the story, and not just a walk on at the end. 

Pippiajna Tui Jane as Kelly is a bundle of energy and along with Merrin Cavel as Alana they thankfully avoid tipping over into cliché ‘little girl’ stereotypes. Their short nativity scene at the start is priceless and almost a show in itself. 

Adam Burrell as Elfie, our friend and confidante, brings the show up to date, spouting modern jargon and pop songs (are they called pop songs still?), and taking us along with him into the show. 

John Parker’s simple yet effective set is the perfect backdrop, giving the show its slick pace, wonderfully lit by Michael Craven. 

The underrated Chantelle Gerrard does her usual amazing job of costumes, making you realize that this is no slapdash children’s theatre. Hours of thought and hard work go into Tim Bray’s shows and the reward they as producers and we as parents receive in return from our children is worth it all. 

Like the old classics on TV, once savoured I imagine you always have a soft spot for The Santa Claus Show. I can see it becoming an annual tradition in our family and one I’m actually looking forward to next year. 

The Santa Claus Show is the perfect antidote to the commercial tripe on TV and in the shopping malls. Simple, beautiful storytelling, a world of magic with a splash of wonder – close your eyes and become a kid. 

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