Séayoncé's Perky Navititties, Yard Theatre Review
Written by Danai for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Séayoncé and Leslie- Ann have been given a big opportunity: an anti-Christmas live TV special. Ready to dazzle viewers with their trademark sass and humour, they warm up the studio audience and go live. But something isn’t quite right. To their horror, they’ve lost control over what they’re saying. Instead of their usual biting wit, all that comes out are saccharine, Christmassy sentiments. As the duo struggles to regain their agency, it becomes clear they’ve been possessed. At first, Satan -Séayoncé’s infamous ex- seems a likely culprit. But soon, they realize they’re up against an even greater force: another ex of Séayoncé’s, whose identity reveals an unexpected twist.
Some performers naturally command the spotlight, and Dan Wye (Séayoncé) is one such talent. Séayoncé’s magnetic presence fills the room, effortlessly drawing the audience in. Complementing this is Robyn Herfellow’s electrifying portrayal of Leslie-Ann, whose dark, murderous instincts lend a deliciously macabre, Tim Burton-esque flair to the show. Both performers demonstrate razor-sharp wit, seamlessly interacting with the audience and reacting to the room’s energy. Their synergy keeps the performance fresh and unpredictable, ensuring no two moments feel the same. Oli Fuller design deserves special mention with all the details on stage before and after the interval elevating the show’s immersiveness.
Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties delivers laughter in spades (personally, I laughed so much that I still can’t possibly grasp it). There is something unique about watching a funny, daring and at the same time genuine work like this which essentially offers a great chance: to get outside of the norms we live in and experience a kind of humour that feels cathartic, embracing a more expansive, authentic form of joy. The show’s intimacy goes beyond its risqué jokes, offering a heartfelt reminder that for those who feel out of place during the holidays, there’s a chosen family ready to embrace them. It’s a powerful message wrapped in laughter and sass, leaving the audience with a sense of belonging. Empowerment that comes through laughter is definitely a challenge, but Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties manages to nail it effortlessly.
Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties is a resounding success and a show that feels like a warm hug. Packed with laughs, puns, boldness, singing, audience interaction, and so much more, it’s an experience that’s hard to forget. Likewise, Séayoncé and Leslie-Ann leave an indelible mar, embedding themselves in the audience’s hearts and minds for good. And finally, one more thing to linger after the show is the reimagined version of Santa that will accompany the audience for many Christmases to come.
At Yard Theatre until 21 December 2024
★★★★★
