A Picture Perfect Christmas of family fun, nostalgia, and laughter could not come sooner. The festive season should be a time for reflection and, ultimately, a restful period without too much stress. So, why not take a break from overplanning Christmas day and enjoy a family trip to a local attraction? The National Gallery would make for a cultural day with a difference. They have beautifully transformed Hendrick Avercamp’s iconic 17th-century oil painting A Winter Scene with Skaters Near A Castle into a spectacular Picture Perfect Christmas Show. Moreover, performances will run on various dates and times until the 23rd of December 2022.

An Enchanted Winter Forest.

Created with Boo productions and set against the icy Netherlands in the 1600s, the Picture Perfect show delves into the story of two children, Frederick and Maaike. Both characters join forces with magical creatures and Father Christmas on their journey through enchanted woodlands to defeat Engelberg – a frosty foe scheming to ruin Christmas. The production is a must-see for the family that guarantees Christmas cheer, giggles and entertainment.

Picture Perfect Adventure.

I took my nephew and partner to the show as a festive treat. We cheered and applauded beautiful songs and dances performed by the cast and my favourite characters, Badger (Kieron Providence) and Squirrel (Jaydean Cramb). What also makes for a gripping production is a malicious villain alongside the protagonists. Engelberg (Richard Holborn) played his mean character to perfection. At the same time, the audience, in pantomime style, booed at his attempts to conquer Frederick (Ciaran McCormack) and Maaike (Elizabeth Coverdale) – the leading characters. It was no surprise that my nephew’s favourite character was Engelberg, whose spectacular costume and animated pomposity almost stole the show. But, it was Father Christmas who won the heart of the audience with his traditional festive presence.

The National Gallery, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious galleries of its kind, is home to some of the world’s most important and influential art by Bellini, Cézanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Velázquez.  

Book tickets for The National Gallery’s Picture Perfect Christmas: A festive show for all the family, via https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/picture-perfect-christmas. 

When looking for somewhere to relax before the production, The National Gallery’s Muriel’s Kitchen Pop Up Café is the ultimate destination to eat, drink and be merry. Visitors will also find The Espresso Bar for drinks and snacks, Muriel’s Kitchen for something delicious and more substantial, and some fine dining can book a table in the new Gallery restaurant Ochre and enjoy the best British ingredients with a European twist.

Written by Style Icon Nat | Press event.