In 2010 Chris was appointed Associate Musical Director and conductor of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular – the biggest and most exciting Christmas show of all time in Britain.
Featuring a popular blend of Christmas entertainment, dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes and outstanding music from our cast of over one hundred performers. The large company includes over 50 singers, a 30-piece orchestra, 23 dancers, 4 bagpipers, 2 pipe band drummers, 2 comedians and the Wurlitzer virtuoso Phil Kelsall – all under the musical direction of Ben Ellin.
The show is a pageant of spectacle and colour. The producer and director, John Cushing indulges his own belief in creating a magical Christmas of yesteryear – a time of love, hope and giving. And in his opinion, the one element that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas more than any other is music. For John Cushing ‘Christmas Eve’ is the most magical night of the year.
Director and Producer – John Cushing
Associate Director and General Manager – Geraldine Rye
Musical Director and Conductor – Benjamin Ellin
Designer – Linda Martin
Choreographer – Michele Thorne
Casting Director – Peter Savidge
Orchestrator – Jonathan Smith
Head of Sound – Steve Brodie
Cast Manager – Colin Winow
Orchestral Manager – Karen Cull
