Starring Dervla Kirwan and Peter Capaldi, the Greatest Store in the World Christmas special probably isn't one many people remember. However, there's something very endearing about it.
Adapted from the book of the same title by Alex Shearer and broadcast Christmas Eve 1999, the Greatest Store in the World tells the story of Livvie, a clued-up teenager, and her younger sister, Angeline (played by real-life sisters Elizabeth and Holly Earl).
Livvie is dissatisfied with her mother's transient lifestyle, and fed up with going to a new school every five minutes. After their motor home blows up, the family find themselves homeless and squatting in a department store called Scottleys (it's basically Harrods)!
They have to evade the suspicions of the doorman (Peter Capaldi), who Angeline nicknames Mr Whiskers; he eventually cottons on to the fact that the family may be doing more than just shopping there.
Brian Blessed plays Mr Scottley himself, the owner of the store. Ricky Tomlinson and the late Sean Hughes are seen as the department store's Santa and elf respectively, and it also stars, albeit also slightly randomly, S Club7.
As you might have guessed, S Club7 dates the movie somewhat, but who doesn't love to hear a bit of Bring it All Back'? And, let's be honest, 'You're My Number One' is well placed and not crow-barred into the plot!
It's a bit of late-90s nostalgia. That aside, this shouldn't be dismissed as a kids' movie, as the acting is fantastic from the young girls, and also Dervla Kirwin and Peter Capaldi, who share a lovely chemistry together with their great performances.
It is an interesting take on a Christmas movie, exploring themes of single parenting, and the gap between the rich and poor at Christmas time, without coming across as too condescending.
The premise of living in a department store is also a very interesting and a unique idea. It's one of my favourites, and something I watch every Christmas. This isn't one to be missed! Watch it below:
Written by Rhianna Evans
Comments