A Very Naughty Christmas, Southwark Playhouse (Elephant) Review
Written by Penny for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings: This production contains adult content, strong and sexually explicit language, partial nudity, drug references, strobe lighting effects, haze, loud noises, and audience participation/interaction. Strictly ages 18+ only.
If you fancy a break from traditional pantomimes or watching three ghosts visit a miserable old man in a nightgown, this cult hit from down under offers a very different kind of festive entertainment. Having sold out at venues across Australia it has arrived in London, promising a mix of stand up comedy, skits, singing, dancing, burlesque and – above all – silliness!
At the show’s start, our sexy Santa, host for the evening, advises the audience to get another drink in as the drunker you are, the funnier you’ll find the show. Unfortunately, the bar had run out of beer …
The eight performers work incredibly hard. The choreography is slick and well executed and the singing is strong with some impressive harmonies and powerful solos, particularly from Kirby Burgess.
Unfortunately, the material that the company has to work with is not good. It’s definitely a case of smut over substance, there’s nothing original about using dildos as microphones or singing about “walking round in women’s underwear”. Sketches don’t have a rewarding payoff. The strongest, which did get a few laughs, involved a woke brand manager advising Santa on changes needed to his annual speech – no more sitting on laps, and the kiddies now have to be “Santa adjacent”. It was a clever take down of political correctness but fizzled out at the end with Santa just telling the brand guru to “f**k off”.
The promised burlesque failed to titillate as rather than letting the performer show her skills, too much emphasis was put on trying to make it funny. The show started late due to technical difficulties and the sound balance was still poor throughout the performance which meant that it was hard to hear lyrics, meaning the comedy songs didn’t land. One song about Santa not liking poor kids was a good joke but went on for far too long so its point became laboured.
Ultimately, A Very Naughty Christmas doesn’t live up to the escapism and debauchery that it promises. You can’t fault the commitment or talent of the cast but a combination of weak material and technical issues led to a forgettable show that won’t be topping the Nice or the Naughty list.
A Very Naughty Christmas runs at Southwark Playhouse (Elephant) until 11th January 2025. Find out more here.
★★
