Uncle Eric's White Christmas New Vic Theatre

FOR those unfamiliar with Uncle Eric and his miserly misadventures, suffice to say he is not someone to rely upon for a thoughtful Christmas gift.

The chances are, he would still be thinking about it on New Year's Eve.

In this festive outing, the "self-unemployed" Eric (David Gray) and his long-suffering wife, Madge (Laurel Green), are facing a decidedly modest Christmas on the proceeds of her bingo winnings – unless Eric can hatch a foolproof money-spinning plan.

With just days to go before the big day, and the country seemingly stuck fast in the grip of the worst winter since 1947, he hits on the idea of secretly gambling Madge's prize money on a white Christmas.

But within moments of placing the surefire bet, he learns that an unexpected thaw is on the way.

Just when all seems lost, Eric stumbles into a chance vacant position at the Met Office and wastes no time exploiting his new employment to reset the odds in his favour.

And of course all of this hilarity is set against the fab backdrop of the swinging '60s, providing a great excuse to sprinkle a lively medley of some of the decade's best-known pop classics among the scenes.

This production essentially consists of two hours of virtually non-stop laughs and great live music.

What is really enjoyable is the way the acting is treated as a bit of fun; a chance to share a few laughs with the audience in the New Vic's intimate atmosphere.

The script is peppered with great lines such as Eric's local reference gag: "Strip away the veneer of civilisation and what have you got left?" Madge: "Burslem".

But the comedy is essentially a fun sideshow to the far more serious business of the music, which is exceptionally well done throughout.

The vocal and instrumental performances are fantastic, with all of the multi-talented cast members taking turns on the mic.

It is enormous fun from start to finish, and somehow feels all the more festive for wisely omitting the obligatory cheesy Christmas tunes of yesteryear.

The production runs at the New Vic until December 15. For tickets and performance times, call 01782 717962.

Iain Robinson