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100 years of The Porthill Players

Santa Claus
is coming BACK to town

a traditional family show for Christmas
held on the 19th Dec 2010
at the Victoria Hall, Hanley

SANTA Claus, reindeer and sleigh are due to touch down on the roof of Hanley's Victoria Hall. The arrival of Father Christmas will be a highlight of Porthill Players' festive spectacular on December 19 (2010). 

"It will be one of many surprises we have in store," says chairman Jonathan Fernyhough, who is producing Santa Claus Is Coming Back To Town. "The audience will see Santa Claus flying into the city and landing on the roof of the Victoria Hall. But it's all a bit of magic conjured up by local film-maker Ray Johnson, who has done a fantastic job for us." 

More than 35 performers, backed by a 13-strong professional orchestra, will take part in what Jonathan says will be a family variety show featuring the best of traditional Christmas entertainment.

"I was brought up on Christmas TV specials like Morecambe And Wise, The Two Ronnies and The Generation Game," he says. "In producing Santa Claus Is Coming Back To Town, I have been aware of the nostalgia we all share for Christmases gone by.

"Our show is all about having a giggle and listening to some great Christmas music, but at the same time remembering the true religious meaning of the festive season."

Two school choirs and the Victoria Hall's famous organ will be heard in rousing performances of some favourite Christmas carols, with Stephen Hearson conducting. Radio Stoke's Tim Wedgwood will appear with Jonathan in comedy sketches, and in association with the Donna Louise Children's Hospice, there will be a toy collection. of unwanted toys and games.

"The show is on the last Sunday before Christmas, and we want everyone to leave the theatre in no doubt that the big day is only six days away," adds Jonathan.

The Sentinel Newspaper - Dec 10 2010

ACT 1
 
That’s What I’d Like For Christmas – John Stone and Carl Pilato featuring the Company
 
 Tim Wedgwood and Jonathan Fernyhough
 
 Santa Claus Is Coming Back To Town - Company
 
We Need A Little Christmas – Company featuring Rosemary Gresty, Sarah Huckfield, Oliver Davies and Joe Hearson
Who Says There Ain’t No Santa Claus – Adrian Yearsley and Niamh Hartless
Ave Maria - Callum Borthwick
 
Sitting On The Ice In The Ice Rink – Joe Hearson
St Edwards First School Children’s Choir singing…
-        Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
-        Love Shone Down
 
Star Of  Bethlehem – Jonathan Lycett
All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – John Stone
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Trevor Mountford, Adrian Yearsley and the Company
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Sarah Carty and The Porthill Rockettes
 
 Tim Wedgwood and Jonathan Fernyhough
 
Suzy Snowflake  - Laura Gleaves and Kate McCredie
Medley - Christmas Song, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Let It Snow – Oliver Davies, Siobhan Webb, Andy Wellings, Debbie Barratt, 
Carl Pilato, Becci Williams, Chris Pearce, Zoe Twigg, John Stone, Wendy Manns, Jill Bowdery and Rob Lawton
Silent Night - Company
Night Of Miracles - Company




ACT 2

Carol Of The Bells – Company
 
 Tim Wedgwood and Jonathan Fernyhough
 
The Fairy On The Christmas Tree – Glynis Mountford and The Porthill Fairies
I Saw Three Ships - Company
Happy Christmas, Little Friend – Ann McArdle
Here Comes Santa Claus - Company
Santa Baby – Becci Williams
 
 Home, Home For Christmas - Company - Words by Valerie Jorden, Music by Stephen Hearson
At Christmastime – Company featuring Brian Hilditch, Rosemary Gresty and Sarah Huckfield
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Laura Harvey
 
Clough Hall Vocal Group singing…
It’s Christmas All Over The World Tonight
 
Let There Be Peace On Earth – Jonathan Lycett
Sleigh Ride – Cathy O’Reilly
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Oliver Davies with Sarah Huckfield, Andy Wellings, Chris Pearce and Kate McCredie
 
 
Rev Andrew Knight intro
O Little Town Of Bethlehem – Company and Audience
First Noel – Company and Audience
Rev Andrew Knight Christmas Blessing
 
Tim Wedgwood and Jonathan Fernyhough
 
Do They Know It’s Christmas? - Company
Do You Hear What I Hear? – Laura Harvey and Company
 
 
I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas – The Porthill Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Hearson