Tag Archives: David Robinson

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

★★★★

The Yard Theatre

Reviews, , , , , ,

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this is no ordinary special, this is an Anti-Christmas Special – a show dedicated to calling out the ridiculousness of outdated morals and capitalistic false idols.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 at The Yard Theatre

Reviewed on 9th December 2024

by David Robinson

 

 


 

 

 

 

Previously reviewed at this venue:

THE FLEA | ★★★★★ | October 2024
THE FLEA | ★★★★ | October 2023

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

PERKY NATIVITITTIES

 

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THE BUSINESS OF MURDER

★★★

Theatre at the Tabard

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THE BUSINESS OF MURDER at Theatre at the Tabard

★★★

“interesting and witty”

The Business of Murder by Richard Harris returns to the stage at the Theatre at The Tabard this month. A play in which the genre could be described as a murder mystery or more like an ‘is there a murder?’ mystery.

The action takes place in the main character, Stone’s, living room of his one bed flat. Designed by Lily Minores and Rob McKinley, the naturalistic set consisted of a two person sofa, an armchair, a small kitchenette area, a little TV and a mysteriously large locked box amongst other items. There was a distinct 80s flavour to them, making the iconography aware audience know that the show was firmly set in that decade. Stone (Miles Gallant) has invited local Police Detective Hallet (Gary Webster) over to discuss his troublesome son, who is nowhere to be found. Hallet leaves, promising to later return, and we soon see Stone then invite local True Crime writer Dee (Charlotte Hunter) to meet his wife. Yet the audience knows Stone’s wife is dead. So why the rouse? The entrapment that follows is the crux of the play which fulfils Act Two, with some interesting reveals that sadly felt they were unveiled too early to sustain the excitement of the story.

The performances were stellar throughout, with every actor showing great detail and focus. Director Nick Bromley is clearly aware of the effect the intimate staging has on said performances – with the style being heavily naturalistic with elements of melodrama when needed. The use of space was one of the greatest drivers of action in this text heavy show, with the actors constantly moving and pacing and exploring the stage. This gladly meant the action never lulled. The stand out performance for me was Gary Webster’s Hallet, who delivers many witty quips as well as leading all the audience questions. Not only was his character charming and funny, but he also didn’t shy away from the ugliness of this self righteous and unapologetic man.

The show was mainly performed in a warm general wash (lighting by Nat Green) without the assistance of any music. I think this fitted well with the naturalistic setting of the piece and allowed the audience to really tune in with what was being said on stage.

Overall The Business of Murder was interesting and witty, let down by the second act’s length and its over explaining of plot reveals

 

THE BUSINESS OF MURDER at Theatre at the Tabard

Reviewed on 31st October 2024

by David Robinson

Photography by Matt Collins

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previously reviewed at this venue:

DUET | ★★★ | April 2024
THE SECRET GARDEN | ★★★★ | December 2023
ABOUT BILL | ★★★★★ | August 2023

THE BUSINESS OF MURDER

THE BUSINESS OF MURDER

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