AFTER a successful production of Kiss Me, Kate! at the Lace Market Theatre in 2012, Linda Croston returns to direct White Christmas, the musical based on the 1954 Michael Curtiz film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

“We were singing about snow in 25 degrees, which can be a little daunting to say the least,” says Linda of the rehearsals which began in September.

“It has been a longer rehearsal period than normal for us, but has been very necessary in order to pull together the acting, singing and dancing to the very high standard needed.”

Linda had worked with Nottingham choreographer Lisa Lee before.

“I’m sure her stunning routines will have your toes tapping,” she says.

Musical director Steve Parry has managed to create the sound of a full orchestra for all the sweeping numbers in the show.

“I think the audience will be amazed at how impressive all this is,” says Linda, adding: “My biggest challenge was the staging as the action moves from the WW2 front line in Italy to various locations in the US, including Broadway, Florida and New York nightclubs, to a ski lodge in Vermont, taking in a TV studio on the way.

“With hard work and ingenuity – and a considerable technical expertise, I have achieved this. I hope the audience will agree.”

Challenges were also faced with the costumes, totally over 150, a gargantuan task for wardrobe mistress Jane Herring.

“It has been a long, sometimes exhausting, but extremely rewarding process and I am proud of what we have achieved.

“White Christmas is an avalanche of festive goodwill and we unashamedly present romance, sentiment and schmaltz... what else do you expect at Christmastime?

Read the full story here.