Welsh television and stage actor Dyfrig Morris and Cardiff actress and singer Millie Davies will return to play the lead roles of Santa and Snowflake in Santa’s Wish this year.
The magical family musical, back by popular demand following a triumphant debut last year in Cardiff Christmas Festival , is written by Matthew Brind and Laura Brind and tells the enchanting story of Snowflake and her journey to becoming one of Santa’s elves.
Dyfrig and Millie are joined by new cast members Alex Roberts who plays the roles of Crackers the Elf and Freddy; Briana Paine who plays the roles of Tinsel the Elf and Lily; and Lisa Davies who plays the roles of Jingel the Elf and Eddie.
Santa’s Wish is one of five shows being staged at this year’s Cardiff Christmas Festival. Performed in the beautiful, heated 548-seat Fortuna Spiegeltent within the grounds of Sophia Gardens, this heart-warming family musical adventure is packed with fun and colour, original catchy songs, immersive storytelling, and a sprinkling of circus magic.
Landing on the edge of the warming ice cap, Snowflake melts into the ocean and travels on an extraordinary and vibrant journey around the world as she struggles to make it back to the North Pole and reach Santa Claus. On her journey she meets various characters, including fellow elves Tinsel, Crackers and Jingel, and a wonderful young lady called Lily whose mission is to spread joy at Christmas time.
The original show was created by Laura Brind as piece of ‘doorstep’ theatre during the pandemic to spread festive joy and cheer to the community during lockdown. Santa’s Wish was a huge success at the inaugural Cardiff Christmas Festival 2022, securing rave press reviews and with a huge demand for tickets.
Matthew Brind said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Santa’s Wish back for a second year at Cardiff Christmas Festival. This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever. Some amazing new actors are joining our elf crew and we’ve written a brand-new song for 2023 which we can’t wait for everyone to hear. Cardiff, watch out … Santa’s sleigh is going to be crash landing soon!”
Santa’s Wish at Cardiff Christmas Festival runs from 1 to 24 December. Adding to the festive experience, outside the Spiegeltent will be a festival village area with seasonal artisan street food from Dough Thrower and Traditional Sausage Grills. Licensed bars will serve draught beers, wines, and warm drinks such as gluhwein, spiced cider, and luxury hot chocolate.
The venue is fully accessible and there are baby change facilities and a buggy park on site. Santa’s Wish on Sunday 10 December at 12pm and 2.30pm will be Relaxed Performances with BSL interpretation by Tony Evans.
Cardiff Christmas Festival promises festive entertainment for everyone. It also includes a brand-new production of Castellana which was the talk of Cardiff last year; the Comedy Cracker in support of Shelter Cymru on 2 December, My My! ABBA – the Christmas Concert on 10 December; and two sold out shows from Welsh of the West End on 17 and 18 December.
Full creative team credits for Santa’s Wish:
Composer – Matthew Brind
Book & Lyrics – Laura Brind & Matthew Brind
Director – Matthew Brind
Choreographer – Holly Corsi
Sound Design – Chris Full
Sound Operator – Andrew Pittaway
Lighting Design – Elanor Higgins
Lighting Operator – Sophie Moore
Costume Design – Laura Brind
Admiral Money is headline sponsor of this year’s festival.
For information, including tickets, visit www.thecastle.wales
Tickets are available from Seetickets.com and start at £15. Booking fees apply.
Group bookings should call on 02921 520052 during office hours or email groups@thecastle.wales
The venue is accessible for wheelchairs.
Please message the team with specific requirements – info@thecastle.wales / phone 029 2152 0052