Buddy & Cocoa’s Christmas Adventure
Sparkling Family Treat
Buddy & Cocoa’s Christmas Adventure
by Ken Mason
Stephen Leslie Productions at Hampton Hill Theatre until 24th December
Review by Sadie Williams
Hampton Hill Theatre is buzzing with more festive fun this year as Buddy and Cocoa, played by Joanna McGarva and Charlotte Ellen, dazzle young audiences with their singing, dancing and adventure. Throw into the mix an array of colourful characters expertly played by the experienced Peter F. Gardiner, previously seen in Coronation Street, and Stephen Leslie’s latest production, Buddy & Cocoa’s Christmas Adventure is a real Christmas cracker.
The audience join the two elves, Buddy and Cocoa, as they set off on a magical mission to find gold dust for Santa’s sleigh.
Buddy and Cocoa must deliver magic dust to The North Pole before Christmas Eve or it will be too late and the sleigh will not take off, leaving all the children without Christmas presents this year. They embark on a difficult journey down to the earth’s core, meeting all sorts of exciting (and sometimes dangerous) underground creatures, before boarding The Middle Earth Shuttle to The North Pole. All is going to plan but the shuttle fails to stop and continues up through the stratosphere all the way to the moon. It is then up to the audience to help them get back to The North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.
Writer, Ken Mason, has developed a knack for creating wonderfully festive family shows, with previous successes including Ellie & Starlight and Hatti & Pippa’s Christmas Adventure. In Buddy & Cocoa, Mason has yet again created a thrilling adventure, full of excitement and (at times) suitably pitched tension. The story is pitched to entertain children and adults alike, ensuring everyone gets in the Christmas spirit.
With catchy tunes and lively routines, the whole family will have an incredible time and go home with festively fabulous grin on their faces.
Sadie Williams, December 2023
Photography by Bomi Cooper
Mark Aspen 