Photo Flash: First Look at Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018

The first images from the 42nd annual Thursford Christmas Spectacular have today been released showing the 130-strong cast in full swing. With lavish costumes made from over 1.5 million rhinestones, 100 meters of feathers and 2000 pom-poms, one of the nation's most anticipated Christmas is gearing up to open next week.

Returning to the tiny village in North Norfolk from 6th November, the festive stalwart is set to entertain over 112,000 visitors from across the country and the globe with more tickets now available to the public.

John Cushing, founder, director and producer of Thursford Christmas Spectacular said: "This year's show is set to be our most ambitious to date with performers from all across the world and our biggest ever dance troupe. I can't wait for the audiences to start filling our auditorium and experiencing all the festive treats we have lined up. I've been putting this show on for over four decades and every year I'm blown away by the talent we see on that stage!"

From Rock 'n' Roll to Showtunes; the Can Can to Carols, this Vegas-style variety show which boasts 65 musical numbers, a troupe of dancers who have performed in the West End and on Broadway and show-stopping choreography, is set to entertain all ages.

For the first time Vanessa Alvarez, a seventh generation circus performer who recently performed on London's South Bank at the world renowned Underbelly Festival, will take to the Thursford stage to showcase her singular style of antipodism, juggling an array of props with her feet. She joins Norfolk's much loved comedian Paul Eastwood who returns to compere the evening. One of the Thursford Collection's most prized possessions, The Mighty Wurlitzer with its 1339 pipes, one of the largest remaining Wurlitzers in Europe, is a spectacle in its own right and will entertain visitors throughout the evening.

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular has become one of the most anticipated festive events in East Anglia, having attracted audiences from across the country since opening on Christmas Eve 1977. This year's troupe will once again comprise of outstanding professional dancers, all having high-kicked and tap-danced their way past 480 auditionees for the 22 spots on the chorus line.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular is Europe's biggest Christmas show with a budget of £1.8million. Each year the family-run Thursford Collection serves up 35,000 mince pies, almost 19,000 mulled wines, and 24,000 tubs of ice cream.

This year Thursford's sound systems have had a huge overhaul and been upgraded to a state of the art audio system which will completely revolutionise the audience experience. The comprehensive DiGiCo solution comprises of the flagship mixing console, the DiGiCo SD7T for FOH duties and a DiGiCo SD10 with redundant engine, for Monitors.

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