Review: Special Delivery – Cumbernauld Theatre

It’s one thing to promise an… ‘enchanting musical journey filled with wonder’, but quite another to deliver such. Special Delivery, a co-production from Cumbernauld Theatre Company, Visible Fictions and Scottish Opera, is as good as its promotional words.

The way the show unfolds from a pen and paper beginning, into a magical, globe-trotting Christmas adventure is really quite masterful. When Jessica Donelly and her emotive, but mute pianist Craig Hunter begin, Special Delivery looks set to be a cute hour of gentle comedy and festive reminiscence. Reader, it’s a trick – and a delightful one.

For there’s more to Donnelly’s A1 pad of paper than meets the eye, and more to come from an ambitious score in the hands of a pair of superb performers, much more.

I really don’t want too much about a show which continually surprises and delights – audiences deserve to discover it just as I did. However, let me say that Donelly and Hunter are ideal castings. The former jumps back into toddler shoes with winning charm, abundant good humour and a mischievous smile beneath her bunches. Hunter’s gradual evolution from understated partner to jovial co-star is handled with a magician’s flare. With all the chemistry of besties on a playdate, and harmonious, sweet voices, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in their parts.

“…there’s more to Donnelly’s A1 pad of paper than meets the eye, and more to come from an ambitious score and the pair of superb performers, much more.”

Looking under the bonnet of this finely tuned show, we find the work of composer Karen MacIver, Writer Clive King, and Director Dougie Irvine. This virtuous trio have concocted something truly splendid with this rollercoaster of a show, packed with marvellous adventure laced with gentle thrills and a touch of genuine peril. Expect plenty of laughs and ‘oos’ from the audience.

It’s a dramatic ambition reflected in a score capable of raising hairs whether lamenting lost homes or revelling in new-found friendships and flights through starry skies.

There’s more than a touch of tech and stage design wizardry to look out for as well. In a sense the show grows as the story does, the dramatic, musical and practical flourishes blossoming as the adventure deepens.

Little Jessica’s escapades could be touched with just a little more heartache to increase anticipation of the happy ending, but it’s a small note on what otherwise has the makings of a new Christmas stage classic. At times I had the same feeling in my bones as when first seeing Barrowland Ballet’s glorious The Gift, back in 2022 – praise I do not bestow lightly.

“Donelly and Hunter are ideal castings…”

So, take it from me, a trip to Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse is definitely worthwhile this Christmas. Between Special Delivery and Pinocchio, there’s a fine day of Christmas theatre to be had. Keep in mind I’m 45, and enjoyed both thoroughly, so any thoughts of opting out due to age should be put firmly aside.

Anyone who appreciates good music and a good story, well told will enjoy this deceptively marvellous new production. In a world in which ‘special deliveries’ so often go astray, Special Delivery is timely and utterly satisfactory. One assumes that the cast & crew of Special Delivery sent a wee letter to Santa asking for an astonishing, tuneful, festive adventure and that Little Saint Nick duly obliged.

Featured Image: (credit here)