Review by Markus Hamence – The Christmas Spectacular – Performance date: Tuesday 17 December 2025. Thebarton Theatre, Torrensville, South Australia
Thebarton Theatre
The Christmas Spectacular at Thebarton Theatre is a Festive Rush of Joy
Adelaide’s holiday season found its showstopper with The Christmas Spectacular on 17 December 2025 at Thebarton Theatre. This 90-minute production blends powerhouse vocals, illusion-driven theatre and high-octane dance into a family experience that genuinely delivers on its promise of spectacle.
“…blends powerhouse vocals, illusion-driven theatre and high-octane dance into a family experience that genuinely delivers on its promise of spectacle…”
– Markus Hamence
At the heart of it all is Prinnie Stevens – the The Voice alum whose vocals and stage presence cut through the buzz of summer audiences. From classic carols to upbeat festive favourites, Stevens (in glorious festive attire) owns the stage with a blend of warmth and polish that anchors the show’s energy, inviting the audience to join in rather than just watch. The audience engagement she gives is received and given back in abundance. Prinnie knows her finely-tuned craft and she just keeps getting better!
Prinnie Stevens
“Stevens (in glorious festive attire) owns the stage with a blend of warmth and polish that anchors the show’s energy…” – Markus Hamence
Complementing the musical threads is Michael Boyd, Australia’s Got Talent finalist turned illusionist, whose magic acts add real theatrical punch. Boyd’s illusions – from playful misdirection to sleight-of-hand crowd work – help propel the narrative of Christmas wonder, creating moments that feel genuinely surprising and playful for kids and adults alike. His snow-flake scene HAS to be seen, beautiful. Again, like Stevens, Boyd’s audience engagement is real, he ensures we are all on stage with him, glued to seeing hints of how his trickery occurs, OR, maybe it is REAL magic?! 😉
Michael Boyd
The production isn’t just about star turns. A cast of elite dancers and artists elevate each segment with tight choreography and visual flair. There are nods to Radio City Rockettes-style precision and Nutcracker-inspired whimsy woven throughout, giving the show a rich variety that keeps momentum rising across acts. Choreographed by Matt Browning, the dancers are EQUALLY the stars of the night. To add more variety to the already impressive show is hoola-hoop, acrobatic, ballet performer, Aleisha Manion, dazzling us with her ‘hoopla’ prowess and graceful moves. There was a cameo too from an old dude in a red-suit that flew in from the North-Pole. While the kids LOVED it, it certainly wasn’t meant to be the highlight and scene-stealer. But his entrance with the dancers as reindeer was actually well produced and dynamically powerful. Seriously the dancers are WORLD-CLASS!
Aleisha Manion
Father Christmas with his reindeers make their entrance
Set-list? Sure… The classic’s from the opening ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ to other including ‘ ‘Santa Clause Is Coming To Town’, the camp ‘Santa Baby’, through to contemporary hits like Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’ and Mariah’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ (Ummmm, and NAILED to brilliance by Prinnie!)
“Think Adelaide Fringe meets Adelaide Cabaret meets the Christmas Season Fabulousness…” – Markus Hamence
What sets this version apart from all the other Christmas shows and performance is its blend of theatrical heart and holiday energy plus ample talent. The costumes are well fitted, sparkly fresh and appealing visually. The lighting captured the atmosphere perfectly. Families left buzzing, kids waving imagined snowflakes, and young theatre-goers already plotting their next Christmas outing. While the show mixes genres – music, circus, magic – it never loses sight of its core mission: to deliver fun, joy and a bit of awe. Think Adelaide Fringe meets Adelaide Cabaret meets the Christmas Season.
The Christmas Spectacular’s Finale
“The Christmas Spectacular delivers a vivid, slick and smartly produced celebration that feels bigger than the sum of its parts” – Markus Hamence
To Wrap It Up (Pun intended haha): It’s tight and polished, festive theatrical event that’s become a highlight of Adelaide’s holiday calendar. Whether you’re in it for the voices, the illusions, or just a good dose of holiday cheer, The Christmas Spectacular delivers a vivid, slick and smartly produced celebration that feels bigger than the sum of its parts. Pop it in your calendar for 2026 Christmas, they’ll be back!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Visit The Christmas Spectacular’s Website Here!
Check Out Our Professional Photogallery Of The Show Here!
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The Christmas Spectacular
Prinnie Stevens
Michael Boyd
Markus Hamence, Prinnie Stevens and Michael Boyd
