Theatre & Dance

The show's nativity scene

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2005

Walsingham in north Norfolk is a place of pilgrimage. Thousands head to what's described as England's Nazareth.

Nearby is Thursford and until 23 December it too becomes place of pilgrimage for thousands who travel to see Britain's largest Christmas show – the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

This is not an irreverent comparison either because the Thursford show combines sincerity with sentiment.

Show with substance

It's Christmas as you hope it would be, yet at its heart you are constantly reminded through the music and the readings of the real reason for the season – the coming of the Christ child.

For the first-time visitor nothing can prepare you for what's ahead. You leave the main Cromer to Fakenham road and head even deeper into the wide open north Norfolk countryside. Brown tourist signs direct you through narrow lanes.

You turn into the car park of the Thursford Experience and only then – when you see coaches from all over the country – do you start to get an idea of the scale of this lavish production.

Through the old-fashioned courtyard, with carols playing, you go into the huge auditorium which is a total surprise.

Santa's secret grotto

From the ceiling, down the walls - indeed wherever you look - there are tasteful decorations and lights. It's Santa’s secret grotto in the middle of nowhere!

If you're Ebenezer Scrooge and you hate Christmas then give this a wide berth – it isn’t for you.

The 80-feet wide stage is dominated by the Wurlitzer organ. You join 1,300 people and let the show unfold for the next three hours and the magic begins.

Fast-moving production

Each year producer John Cushing mixes music and dance in a show which never flags for a moment.

The opening of this year’s spectacular sets the tone. The singers of this 100-strong cast fill in from all corners of the auditorium dressed in choir robes and performing carols in perfect harmony.

They line up in front of the stage where they transform - with top hats and sparkly waistcoats - into a chorus line.

Then 16 gorgeous showgirls strut on to the stage as they go into We Need A Little Christmas from the musical Mame. It's Hollywood and Broadway come to Norfolk.

What strikes you is the jaw-dropping extravagance of it all. The most lavish costumes will appear fleetingly just to create a moment’s effect. This production gives real value for money. The masquerade sequence is particularly memorable.

Dancers are part of a 100-strong cast

There is so much light and shade – thousands of lights in fact! Blackpool Tower organist Phil Kelsall plays the Wurlitzer and there is a lovely moment where the lights rise and fall to accompany his playing.

Homegrown comedian

The full orchestra produces some great sounds while Keith Loads, a local farmer who’s diversified into comedy, is a big hit with his Norfolk dialect routine.

The success of this show speaks for itself. Playing twice daily, it will be seen by more than 100,000 people who will travel miles. It's almost sold out by Easter and they never need to advertise.

If you've seen the show, you'll already know how good it is. If you've booked to go then you are in for a treat. If you've missed out then bookings open on 3 January - don't forget to pop this date in your new diaries!

Enjoy this extract from the BBC East documentary which takes you behind the scenes of Thursford's 2005 production. We cannot bring you the full programme online due to contractual reasons. Watch: Extract from The Greatest Show On Earth > Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer

Read your comments on the 2005 show

Mr G.E.Pollard
We thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful show, and look forward to the next. Is there one at Easter?
Sat Jan 28 15:05:48 2006

jenny salter
I missed this show on tv and would really like to watch it could you please tell me when it will be repeated. I live in Hertfordshire and would really like to watch it. Many thanks.
Tue Jan 17 10:15:57 2006

Jacqui Gutzman
My first visit was December 2005 I cannot find the words to express how wonderful I found the show and decorations. One thing I didn't know - get there early or you don't get long enough to look round your wonderful curio xmas shops. A fantastic night better than any London show I have seen and a fraction of the cost too.
Fri Jan 13 13:16:01 2006

Joan Allen
it is a wonderful show congratulations to all concerned
Sun Jan 8 18:01:33 2006

tony 'b'
Only one word can describe the shoe 'FANTASTIC'
Sat Jan 7 16:50:05 2006

Margaret Barrett
No words can express the enormous amount of wonderous emotion that we felt at this years event. The feeling of Christmas still exists in the barn at Thursford! Everything was perfect and wonderfully presented (the variety and affordability of the shop goods was also to be admired - brilliant). We agreed the best show we have every seen - congratulations on a truly fantastic effort from everyone involved. We will be with you for many years to come. Looking forward to joining you for Christmas 2006 EXCELLANT!!
Wed Jan 4 17:29:52 2006

Samantha Cornell
We have ben going for 17 years now, its almost a tradition in our family and certainly signifys the start of christmas for me. This years show was the best ever, and i particularly loved the opera number, would like to hear more of him next year!! Loved it!
Mon Dec 26 16:54:49 2005

karen
i went last nigt, it was really good i enjoyed it i enjoyed the chior singers singing form both sides and the masquade it was brilliant and the doves flying accross the audience at the end, it was the best thing i have seen and well done to all the cast , will b coming again next year
Fri Dec 23 11:08:57 2005

Ann
We made the trip up from Sussex and it was worth every mile. Northing can prepare the first time visitor for walking in and being surrounded by the fantastic spectacle. The show was brilliant and the snow on leaving just made the whole evening magical
Thu Dec 22 17:07:28 2005

Lois Turvey
We haven't been to see the show, but saw the screening on television last Sunday and was fascinated by it and are hoping to visit next year. In the meantime is there a DVD available of this years show?
Thu Dec 22 10:04:44 2005

Andrew Holland, Documentary Producer
Thank you for your interest in The Greatest Show On Earth. At the moment the intention is to get a repeat showing early in the new year. The final decision rests with the programme schedulers and we are waiting to hear from them.
Wed Dec 21 15:45:19 2005

john stringer
Absolutely Brilliant
Wed Dec 21 08:26:21 2005

Caroline, Norwich
Excellent, brill, fab show. Well done all. Only one small moan (which is unrelated to the actual show) and that is the mince pies although very tastey, were way over priced. However, the mulled wine is worth it and the best i've ever tried.
Tue Dec 20 14:28:00 2005

Avril Newman
I missed the extract on BBC1 on Sunday 18 December. I understand it will be repeated in 2006. Please could you let me know when?
Tue Dec 20 10:13:43 2005

Steve McGlynn
Watched the show on Monday evening the 19th, the first time for me, what an absolutely marvelous trip into a winter wonderland where everyone is transported from the unfortunate world we live in to a place where everyone is united, forget the united nations if you want world peace come and see this wonderful show, the organist would deserve a show of his own, and to all the cast just let me say one thing.... THANKYOU.
Tue Dec 20 10:05:34 2005

Elaine
Just been to my first Thursford show - it won't be the last. Really enjoyed it - Jerusalem gave me goosebumps. Will bring my family next year - can't wait. Thank you so much for a wonderful show.
Mon Dec 19 21:49:31 2005

Margaret, Norwich
Fantastic - our friends for Jersey (CI) were bowled over by the spectacular. Mouths dropped open when they first walked inside - it was a magical time for us all. A golden moment to treasure for them - always. Can't wait for the next one. Well done to all.
Mon Dec 19 15:37:10 2005

JACKIE MITCHELL
We went to see this years show. Its was a first for us and we were amazed by this. In the middle of what appeared to be the back of beyond such wonderful singing and dancing. It rivalled shows we have seen in this country and abroad. We will be back. Well done
Mon Dec 19 15:28:19 2005

RUTH WILKINS
Very dissapointed as not been able to get tickets this year xmas will not be the same. This is a fantastic show why can it not be filmed on the TV? Would have love to have seen it this year.
Mon Dec 19 12:23:33 2005

Maria Plumb, Norwich
I went this year for the first time with hubbie. The show was breathtakingly fantastic. We will be back next year. We weren't sure about going as it wasn't really our thing but it was easily 100% better than we thought. Can't wait till next year.
Mon Dec 19 10:55:30 2005

Michael Rumbelow
I thought this years show surpassed all the others we have seen. We have visited Thursford for many years now and after having read my grandaughters comments ( shantelle aged 9 ) we will be coming again next year. John well done magnificent. A few more dance routines for me please!
Mon Dec 19 10:43:32 2005

Philip Primrose.
Every part of the show was very good. Jerusalem, prior to the interval sent our foursome to the roof, and left us speechless.
Sun Dec 18 22:18:29 2005

Mrs. Patricia Bennett
Fantastic show again. I saw it twice again this year - it just gets better each time. But how can you better the best, I do not know - but John manages it. I would not miss it for anything. Looking forward to 2006!
Sun Dec 18 21:59:22 2005

Brian Howes
I thought that the show was very well performed by all the cast. Did not think it was as good as last year, maybe because we have attended 2 years in a row. Comments from our party of 18 was good first half, not so good for the second. Will leave it for a couple of years before another show. Well done all the same to all the cast and producers, and a Merry Christmas.
Sun Dec 18 20:07:46 2005

Walter M Gunston Isleham Cambs
This years show was the best ever, a big thankyou to John Cushing and all the team, for making a spectacular show, next tuesday's show (7pm) will be my 3rd visit this year, Christmas for me starts at Thursford, merry christmas to you all.
Sun Dec 18 19:33:20 2005

Jim Capes
This was our first visit to Thursford and I didn't really want to go as this is not my cup of tea. But after last nights show we are already looking forward to next years! great stuff.
Sun Dec 18 19:17:44 2005

val watling
is it possible that thursford gets better each year but it does a true supporter
Sun Dec 18 17:12:19 2005

Ken liddle
Absolutely fantastic; equal to any West-end production. The whole show, from the georgous dancing girls to the marvellous music and singing to the quiet reflective readings, all set in a magical world of light and colour, was a triumph Long may you continue. Definitely see you next year.
Sun Dec 18 14:55:40 2005

Angie
We have just been to our 1st show at Thusford and it was truly magical, every thing was brilliant and timed to perfection, well done and we will be back next year
Sun Dec 18 13:42:59 2005

Ann, Leicestershire
The most wonderful show I have ever seen! Have just phoned to buy the CD of the show but understand it is from the 2004 show. I'm sure if you produce them each year it will be a fantastic souvenir for visitors to purchase after the show. Also a video would be wonderful - it could also be used among family and friends to help promote the show for next year. Many thanks for this great event which depicts the true meaning of Christmas.
Sun Dec 18 13:26:37 2005

Shantelle, Age 9
hello Mr Cushing, i thought your show was the best show i have ever seen in my life! I met you after the show with my grandad! I will definitely come next year although i will have to beg my grandad a lot! Whoever doesn't like your show must be mad!! I loved all the decorations and lights! And i even caught a snowball and a balloon - i hope you can still remember me.
Sun Dec 18 12:49:43 2005

Alison Green
Absolutely magical. It brings back the excitement and feelings of Christmas one had as a child. Everything, sights and sounds were stunning.
Sun Dec 18 12:44:41 2005

jacqui from witham essex
My second year and even better if possible than last year. Simply fantastic. This should be televised for those who cannot make the journey or at least a dvd should be issued...keep up the excellent work. Daniel was superb on percussion. Merry and Blessed Christmas to you all.
Sat Dec 17 13:03:06 2005

M Sherman
I don't like Musicals, but this was something else. It was magnificent, cannot explain how wonderful an experience.
Sat Dec 17 10:41:33 2005

Pete Donegan
We've been to the Museum before, but the long journey from Liverpool was well worth it for the spectacle that regailed us. We'll be back. Congratulations to John Cushing and his hard working team
Fri Dec 16 21:17:56 2005

Mary Cook
First time for me, absolutely wonderful. Will definitely go every year from now on, god willing as Roy says!
Wed Dec 14 22:08:50 2005

Sabrina Lewis
Very disappointed in first half of show - loud music and over microphoned. Really missed the beautiful choir with candles walking down the aisles and the way carols were mixed among the lighter elements of the show last year. I thought the singalong bit was handled in a throwaway manner - why bother? Could the organist play music a bit slower and more tuneful and still display his skill? Last year's show was much better balanced in our opinions. The decorations and lighting were superb this year.
Wed Dec 14 10:08:51 2005

Frank Whisken
I came to the show last Tuesday the 6th of December 2005 & having been the year before I was sure you could not beat the 2004 show, but boy was I wrong this years show was even more amazing than I could have imagined and I would urge anyone who has not seen this show to book early and go. I have already got my bookin form for next year so roll on Christmas 2007.
Wed Dec 14 10:07:12 2005

Mike Bragg
I have seen many shows in London and this was truely a spectacular show. The music, the costumes and the chorography was amazing.
Mon Dec 12 00:07:37 2005

Jenny - Wrexham
It was a dream come true to return to Thursford after a gap of 4 years. It was the best show I've seen yet, and brought tears to my eyes, it was so magical.
Sun Dec 11 22:33:45 2005

K. W. Depledge
Absolutely brilliant, first time we've been and we are already planning for next years
Sun Dec 11 16:17:00 2005

Mr&Mrs John Reed
We travelled from Surrey to see this wonderful show. What an excellent show as good as any Westend show I have ever seen.
Sat Dec 10 21:02:17 2005

Mr & Mrs D F Hall
Abolutely fantastic. A wonderful afternoon's Christmas cheer.
Fri Dec 9 18:10:14 2005

hannah waters
i have seen the show in past years and it is a spectacular show. I am going sunday to see it - I know it will be better than last year's, it always is!
Fri Dec 9 16:19:22 2005

Michael Pattison
This year's show had just the right balance of entertainment. The carols were all well known. Anyone who has not seen this show is missing out on a wonderful night, long may it continue.
Thu Dec 8 11:58:37 2005

Duncan Oliver
this year was our third visit in a row i did not think you could have improved on the other years but i was wrong it was better then ever.
Thu Dec 8 11:55:07 2005

Barbara & Geoff Morrey & The Rotary Club of Thorne
Christmas, for me, starts at Thursford. We have just had our fourth visit and we can't wait for next year. The entire Company are to be congratulated on the sheer professionalism of the show. The way it switches from the light-hearted to bringing tears to the eyes has to be seen to be believed. Well done to all, participants and production staff. A truly spectacular show.
Thu Dec 8 11:54:09 2005