Candide is currently taking the London theatre world by storm. As many shows wind down in January after the Christmas rush, this upbeat operetta is gathering momentum, so much so that they’ve just extended the run by another week.

Bernstein’s joyous musical comedy is filled with warm and comforting sentiment, the perfect antidote to those winter blues. I performed in this show at university and coincidentally the cast then also included the Menier’s Candide star, Fra Fee.

Crammed into the boutique theatre in London Bridge, there is a sense of camaraderie in the room as we invest in the story of Candide and his continued hardships.

The cast is superb with principals Fra Fee as Candide and Scarlett Strallen as Cunégonde giving particularly impressive vocal performances. But really the whole cast excels and it is the wonderful teamwork that brings this classic to life. If you see one show this winter, make sure it is Candide.

Continues until 1 March 2013, book here.