Orlando Weeks turns a page as The Gritterman springs to life

His debut book, The Gritterman, is a beautiful slice of yuletide melancholy which follows a widowed road gritter stepping out on his last night of the job he adores. The book is accompanied by a soundtrack album featuring original songs and enveloping soundscapes, with narrator Paul Whitehouse stepping into the waterproof waders of The Gritterman character.

Now for the second year in a row, Weeks brings The Gritterman story to the quaint trappings of Islington’s Union Chapel, this time with an extended run of dates; two shows in London and one at Manchester’s Albert Hall. A Christmas tree is propped up in the corner and hot chocolate with marshmallows is served at the church’s cafe counter - it’s a cosy, festive affair.

The ambition to pair live instrumentation and soundscapes to a live narration is a tall one, so understandably Weeks politely asks the audience to ‘save any applause the show warrants until the end’ so they can tackle the delicate sonic tapestry of the tale in one. He’s backed up by a small choir, several musicians and a percussionist, while Whitehouse reads the story from the priest’s pulpit.

Beginning with 'Intro' and 'Chimes', the voices of the choir and band stir a wintery, magical atmosphere which reverberates beautifully from the walls of the church whilst Whitehouse sets up the story - ‘I got sent a letter from the council: ‘Dear Sir, your services are no longer required’’. The full songs fronted by Weeks begins with 'Angels Singing' which immediately reminds the audience of his delicate, unique croon which has been sorely missed in the absence of The Maccabees.

Whilst the performance plucks on the heartstrings throughout the show, it’s not without its lighter moments. As Whitehouse’s raspy, out-of-tune rendition of 'In The Bleak Midwinter' is joined by the transcendental tones of the choir, it’s cut off abruptly by an obnoxious microwave ping provoking chuckles from the audience - “Turkey chow-mein, delicious!”, Whitehouse beams.

'Brave Little One' is a setlist standout, a performance which finds Weeks becoming part of the choir as the lyrics trace the meandering path of a snowflake. The melodies and harmonies of the choir ring out like a well-known carol whilst snowflake spotlights whirr around the ceiling and walls creating the sensation of snowfall - it’s a touching, encompassing moment.

Paul Whitehouse tries his pipes at singing in the closing lines of 'Nothing I Would Change', a ditty you could imagine The Gritterman singing to himself as he chugs along in his van. The set closes with 'When All Is Said and Done' which finds the protagonist voyaging into another realm which alludes to his death. The choir builds to a stirring climax to give this charming character a fitting send off, and the gravitas of this closing number is pushed further by the presence of the church’s organ, which rattles the whole building.

Orlando Weeks may have created a staple Christmas classic with The Gritterman, which is validated as the audience sits in pin-drop silence throughout the suite, right up until the point where he whispers “thank-you”, which prompts an eruption of applause. Weeks possesses a truly unique imagination which finds beauty in the ordinary and everyday. It’s nothing but a pleasure to spend an evening in his world.