Kick off your festive season in sparkling style with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the timeless musical extravaganza coming to Ilkley this December.
Fresh from his celebrated performance as Jean Valjean in the 40th anniversary Let the People Sing performances of Les Misérables at Leeds Grand Theatre, Rob Durkin is once again taking centre stage, but this time, it’s behind the baton. Rob joins the team of White Christmas at King’s Hall, Ilkley, as Musical Director, leading a live orchestra that will be performing on stage and in full view of the audience.
“It’s not often the musicians become part of the story,”
Rob explains,
“but this production gives us a chance to blur that line between performance and accompaniment. We’ll be right there with the cast and the music will literally surround the action. It’s a rare chance to show the orchestra as an integral part of the world of White Christmas rather than hidden away in a pit.”
Having recently sung some of the most demanding music in musical theatre and a regular at Buttershaw St. Pauls amateur operatic society in Bradford, Rob is relishing the opportunity to shift gears and work from the other side of the score. “After Les Mis, which is intense and emotional in a very different way, White Christmas feels like the perfect follow-up. It’s joyful, nostalgic, and full of optimism and the arrangements are stunning. Irving Berlin’s music just glows when played live.”
Director Dr Ian Wilson says that having Rob onboard has elevated every rehearsal:
“Rob’s energy and musicianship are exceptional,” he says. “He has an instinctive understanding of how to make the music tell the story and his fun with both cast and orchestra has brought a real sense of teamwork to the production. It’s infectious.”
White Christmas is a sparkling stage adaptation of the beloved 1954 film, featuring unforgettable Berlin classics such as Blue Skies, Sisters, I Love a Piano and White Christmas. Set in post-war America, it’s a story about friendship, loyalty, and love. Full of laughter, dancing and heartwarming moments.
Rob adds:
“This show isn’t just about Christmas, it’s about people coming together to create something special. The music carries the emotion, and when it all comes together, the harmonies, the dancing, the story, it’s pure magic.”
White Christmas runs at King’s Hall, Ilkley, from Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th December, with evening performances at 7.15pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.
Tickets are available at www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or by calling 01274 432000
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