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Everybody knows the importance of ‘customer experience’ nowadays and Thursford is no exception. The customer experience can be summed up in one word… AMAZING. 

From parking your car to sitting in your seat, you are met with happy staff, beautiful lights and Christmassy surroundings. We had a lovely lunch at the Garden Pavilion beforehand and we were served by a gentlemen wearing a turkey hat… very festive. We looked around the shops, which were so cute. Can you just tell how much I love Thursford yet?

The Christmas Spectacular boasts 55 singers, 32 musicians, 14 dancers and more who give their absolute all to entertain their audience. I sat (as I do every year) completely amazed by the talent in the cast. Their rendition of ‘I believe in father Christmas’ was so beautiful. 

My highlights of the show were the amazing ‘speciality acts’ Steve Hewlett (Ventriloquist) who was extremely funny, and Roger and Emelie (Skaters) who made us gasp with their talent. Phil Kelsall MBE is the hugely talented Wurlitzer Organ player, who is now in his 42nd season with Thursford, has a solo, which was so much fun to watch. 

There were lots of surprises throughout the show, which I am not going to write about as I don’t want to spoil it. I met John Cushing, who has directed and produced the show since 1977, and I can now see why the show is full of energy! What a legend John is. 

My ‘top tip’ is… book tickets for 2020 when they are released as they sell out so quickly. It really is the most amazing show and experience. It is now a Christmas tradition for us. 

2020 tickets go on sale Monday 16th December 2019 at 9.30am at www.thursford.com

Review By Alex Wiseman

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