The Big Christmas Assembly! – Theatre Deli, Sheffield

Creator and Performer: James B Partridge

If you want a nostalgia hit this Christmas, James B Partridge’sThe Big Christmas Assemblyis the must have ticket. Taking us back to the primary school assembly hall, Partridge reminisces over his Christmas celebrations growing up with stories that sound all too familiar.

This, to all intents and purposes, is a sing along show for the most part. The audience downloads a lyric sheet (very much like a carol sheet one would pick up on the way into carols by candlelight) on their way in, with voices ready to sing along to everything from O Come All Ye Faithful to We Wish You A Merry Christmas to All I Want For Christmas Is You. It is safe to say Sheffield was in very good voice on this cold November’s night! Partridge also throws in a handful of songs that he just performs throughout the show, including a lovely original song that wouldn’t feel out of place in aNativity!film. The song selection was perfect, meaning that even though your reviewer grew up in the noughties rather than the nineties he still knew a good majority of the songs.

James B Partridge is the definition of a showman, and an outstanding one at that. He has an excellent rapport with the audience before he even says a word. He is, as we know from his social media videos, a wonderful singer. He is also, as we may not know as much from social media, very funny – his comic timing is impeccable and, for the most part, his jokes told through stories and occasionally through song are original material. This reviewer wouldn’t be surprised to see him in panto leading a song sheet in the near future.

The Big Christmas Assembly!is a joyous start to the Christmas season and feels like a true community event, despite not knowing anyone else in the audience. Tickets for James B Partridge’s festive tour are almost completely sold out and hisPrimary School Assembly Bangers Live!tour is also selling very quickly, so book your seats and get warming your voice up before it’s too late.

Reviewed on 29th November 2023.