THE reimagining of classic Christmas songs does not always go particularly well.

There have been some horrific covers over the decades – Justin Bieber’s Little Drummer Boy, anyone? Christina Aguilera’s O Holy Night?

As the 12-year-old would say, some of these people need to, you know, just not.

It is a dangerous business, having the brass neck to muck around with festive favourites.

But then, one comes along that is so lovely, so unexpected and so daring in its decision to turn the sentiment of the original on its head and take an entirely new direction, that it takes the breath away.

On the face of it, Blythe Duff and Cameron Barnes’ reworking of the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s classic Fairytale of New York, should not work. The wonderful original, in which a drunken couple hurl insults at each other, is a classic – a funny and moving expose of love laid bare, with all the hope and disappointment that comes with it.

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To transform this song into a story and video of a mother and son, reflecting on their own failed dreams at Christmas as she dresses the tree in Glasgow and he sings to her in New York (or is it?), and to do it with such heart and charm, is a real accomplishment.

Duff is, of course, best known from cop drama Taggart and Barnes is a singer, actor and one of the Red Chilli Pipers.

I don’t know whether it is because it’s mothers and sons, or because I’m getting older, or it’s this odd ongoing symptom of 2020 in which everything seems to squeeze the emotions, but I love this.

I am not alone – since the video was released last week, it has had more than half a million views, great news for the two charities it is supporting – Nordoff Robbins and ACT.

The former provides music therapy to those who need it most, the latter is the Actors’ Children’s Trust, which provides grants to help families with financial security, advice and specialist help. Like almost every charity in the country, both have been severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis and fundraising is at an all-time low.

Duff spent time talking to ACT about the impact its support has had on freelance creatives hit hard by the closure of theatres and the cancellation of events during the pandemic. She spoke to one woman about the difference funding from ACT had made to her life after months of worry and fear about what the future might hold for her and her sons. It was, says Duff, an ‘honest, overwhelming’ story and it reveals a little of the widespread, hidden damage, caused by Covid-19, but also reminds us of the great work being done by organisations and charities across the country, to bring hope and light to the lives of those most affected.

Watch the video, shed a tear, donate a little cash if you can. Hope you all have a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

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