Craig Revel Horwood Brings Rockin' Santa Musical to Historic Cheltenham!

Craig Revel Horwood, well-known as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, is set to debut his new Christmas musical, 'Santa - The Visit', at The Centaur in Cheltenham Racecourse this December. This marks the first time the venue will host a musical, and Craig is thrilled to bring his show to a town that holds a unique place in his family history. During a TV program that explored his genealogy, Craig discovered that his three-times great grandfather once lived in Cheltenham and was involved in a notable incident. His ancestor stole five pounds and some jewellery from the Queen's Hotel and was sent to Tasmania for 14 years as punishment. Craig finds this story fascinating and feels a special connection to Cheltenham because of it. He describes Cheltenham as a wonderful place and is excited to return with his musical.

The musical itself promises to be an immersive experience, with Santa Claus arriving in dramatic fashion. Craig says that Santa will make his entrance like a rockstar, bursting into song and dance. The show will also have an equestrian theme, which ties in with the racecourse setting. This creative approach is something Craig is passionate about, and he believes it will make the event memorable for everyone who attends. The musical is scheduled to run from December 19th to December 24th, giving families in Cheltenham and nearby areas a chance to enjoy a festive performance right before Christmas.

Guy Lavender, the chief executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, expressed his excitement about hosting the musical. He mentioned that the racecourse has welcomed many distinguished guests over the years, but Santa is perhaps the most unusual and exciting visitor yet. He joked about not knowing where Santa will park his sleigh but emphasized how honored they are to host the event and help bring Christmas cheer to the community. The Centaur is preparing for this special occasion, and there is a buzz of anticipation in the town. Craig hopes that his musical will create lasting memories and bring joy to families during the holiday season. The BBC Somerset team encourages people to share their story ideas and stay connected for more updates about local events like this one.