Discover the power and wonder that lies within the Box of Delights. Christmas magic and mystery returns this festive season to Stratford-Upon-Avon courtesy of The Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Box of Delights is the 2023 Christmas production for the Royal Shakespeare Company following last year’s production of A Christmas Carol. The Box of Delights is a Novel by John Masefield from 1935. This production is adapted by children’s author Piers Torday and directed by Justin Audibert. Torday originally adapted the novel for stage at Wilton’s Music Hall in Shadwell, East London. Original performed at Christmas 2017 and again in 2018, it has now made its way to Stratford-Upon-Avon with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The play follows the adventure of Kay Harker, an orphaned boy heading back to his guardians home for Christmas. Whilst on the train back Kay meets Cole Hawlings, a Punch and Judy show performer who is not what he seems. Kay also has his first encounter with a pair of more sinister characters. Once back at his guardian’s home he is reunited with two other children under Caroline Louisa’s care, Maria Jones and her brother Peter. Maria seeks adventure and excitement, whilst Peter is her opposite. Together the three of them become entangled in a feud between rival magicians that has persisted for centuries and now threatens Christmas itself. Kay must protect the magical Box of Delights whilst using its powers to save his friends, the people of the town and Christmas itself.
The staging of the play is done beautifully. Whilst being simple with very little change happening throughout the show, the use of projected background onto the stage immerse you into each scene and environment. The highlight of this is near the end of the play when the scene is set both above and under water. Being a family tale filled with magic means that there is regular use of puppetry to portray animals, magical creatures and even people at times. The puppetry is convincing and adds to the immersion of the play rather than detracting from it. Some of the designs are especially beautiful and realistic.
The cast themselves do an impressive job of bringing the story to life. They project their voices well, although at times it can feel like the children are shouting rather than projecting their voices. However this can easily be over looked and does not break the immersion or detract from the wonderful acting. The adult characters are portrayed well and the actors who play dual roles manage to distinguish each character from the other. This is done not only through costume, but also through a change in body language and tone of voice. Speaking of costumes, the costume department have done a magnificent job. Each piece is of it’s time and is suitable for each character. The children’s outfits and those of “the wolves” add to the character being portrayed by each actor and help bring a sense of realism and immersion to each scene. The costume choices for the two magicians are magical and draw interest and focus without being comical or exaggerated.
Overall this is a fine production filled with Christmas spirit, plenty of well-known festive songs, but without drifting into musical territory. It is fun for the whole family, but equally as enjoyable for adults only. The Royal Shakespeare Company has once again provided a magical festive performance.
The Box of Delights is showing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until 7th January 2024.
Christopher Murray 
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