My Top 5 Showtunes: Father Christmas

It might be a busy time of year for Father Christmas, but we managed to get him on the phone to chat about the showtunes he loves to listen to whilst dashing round the world on his sleigh and shimmying down chimneys.

1. "Twelve Days To Christmas" from She Loves Me

Oh my. This little ditty makes very good use of the "12 Days of Christmas" carol that we all love in Lapland. But it is also very good at progressing the love story between dear Amalia Balash and Georg Nowack. Sheldon Harnick is definitely on the good boy list. I must admit that when I found myself at the Menier Chocolate Factory I was expecting to stock up on sweeties, but their production of She Loves Me is a charming way to celebrate my favourite time of year.

2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Meet Me In Saint Louis

What would Christmastime be without a little Judy Garland to warm your cockles? This song is such a festive treat, it reminds me of when Mrs Claus and I were wee whippersnappers keeping each other warm in the reindeer barn.

3. "A Christmas Song" from Elf

Buddy is one of my favourite elves, so when Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin asked to write a musical about him I was ever so jolly. It's true that the Christmas spirit is at rock bottom in 2017 thanks to that Donald fella. But thanks to this song, you all know what to do to keep my sleigh flying; the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

4. "Christmas Bells" from Rent

Christmas bells are my favourite bells of all and this song from Rent is great for cruisin' along in the sleigh with the roof down and the volume up, Rudolph even gets a mention…

5. "Surabaya Santa" from Songs From a New World

That Jason Robert Brown is a very clever young man, and this song he wrote from the viewpoint of my ex-wife is really rather good. It reminds me of how grateful I am to have my Mrs Claus.

Merry Christmas to all WhatsOnStage readers from all of us in Lapland