PERKY NATIVITITTIES

The Yard Theatre

★★★★

“an hilarious show that brings a fantastic piece of alternative and unique Christmas entertainment”

As another Christmas rolls around, one may find oneself looking for something new to reignite the Yuletide spirit, forgetting the old traditions and repeated specials that have begun to make the season feel stale. And that’s exactly why Perky Nativititties is a genius addition this Festive Season to London theatre. The show’s host Séayoncé (Dan Wye) presents their first live TV Christmas Special, assisted by their talented yet devious pianist companion Leslie-Ann (Robyn Herfellow). But this is no ordinary special, this is an Anti-Christmas Special – a show dedicated to calling out the ridiculousness of outdated morals and capitalistic false idols. Yet, something is sabotaging them. Christmas magic haunts the studio and the pair must find a way to stop it.

From the off, this show is thoroughly hilarious. Séayoncé has a witty, tongue in cheek and tongue very much out of cheek comedy style. Jokes involving dark humour, queer comedy and many explicit sex references. It’s the kind of adults-only show that comes with many warnings to the faint-hearted. But rest assured, it had the whole audience up and dancing by the finale. The show begins by introducing us to the characters behind the scenes of the live TV special, as if the audience were the studio audience. This instantly welcomed us into the interactive elements of the show – the encouraged applause, ‘Ooooh’ing and other noises directed via the on stage screens. There were also several moments where Séayoncé would bring audience members on stage to be involved with musical numbers. A traditional element of classic pantomimes.

Once the live TV special begins, we watch as the pair are haunted by the ‘true’ Christmas spirit, which they plot to destroy during the ad breaks. By Act Two, they’re ready to kill the thing that has been attacking them. The show ends on a truly uplifting message of togetherness and unity for those who do feel outcast at this time of year. After all the dark and dry comedy, you really do feel the queer joy that oozes from this piece.

My only gripe with the show is that some parts felt a little too drawn out with particular jokes feeling overdone. There’s one song about Jesus’ bedroom activities that felt like it was repeating the same gag over and over, which definitely made me switch off. This doesn’t affect the pace of the show overall, but a cut of a few of these moments of repetition could do wonders.

The set consists of a studio-like pop up set hosting a comfy armchair, piano, digital fireplace, a Christmas tree, a second pink tree that snows and various cardboard cameras. It feels wonderfully homely, the DIYish elements of the homemade cameras adding a nice touch. Séayoncé wears a deep burgundy caftan and head cover, their typical medium get up, and Leslie-Ann a lovely sparkly black dress, a staple for the winter season.

Overall, Perky Nativititties is an hilarious show that brings a fantastic piece of alternative and unique Christmas entertainment for audiences who connect with the weird, the wonderful and the downright wacky.

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

★★★★

The Yard Theatre

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

The Yard Theatre

★★★★

“an hilarious show that brings a fantastic piece of alternative and unique Christmas entertainment”