A selection of seven short plays…
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by spending an evening being entertained by this medley of short plays, each delivering a modern twist on some very different perspectives of Christmas.
Set in the intimacy and cosy surroundings of the basement theatre at the Royal Court, Liverpool and cleverly written by members of the Royal Court’s writing groups, directed by Nicole Behan they were brought to life by four professional actors, Charity Bedu-Addo, Charlie De’Ath, Jamie Peacock and Angela Simms.
The scenery was kept simple but effective, showing Liverpool’s iconic skyline, silhouetted with twinkling lights and the minimalist props were multifunctional and used to good effect.
Each play covered a different topic related to the Christmas theme and explored numerous scenarios covering many different emotions experienced at this time of the year. All were relatable and some took a modern and sometimes ironic take on an old and classic storyline.
The actors were very versatile in the roles they played. Jamie Peacock portrayed a very sassy half-angel wanting to gain his “full set of wings” as well as a supportive son-in-law and a hapless partner to a heavily pregnant wife about to give birth and stranded in the middle of no-where as well as a young man wanting to experience a Christmas like his childhood and finding out he’s going to be the one who makes the magic for a child of his own, as well as the back end of a donkey who has aspirations of becoming a more serious actor.
Charity Bedu-Addo was excellent in her portrayal of an innocent daughter who receives an amazing gift from her father but hasn’t quite grasped the sadness behind the surprise; her enthusiastic shop-girl with ideas to improve her job and honesty in wanting to help her customers find the right gift played well against her disillusioned co-assistant. Her portrayal of a naïve and excited elf at Santa’s workshop being full of the joys of working for “the man himself” until she met “Grumpay” was quite believable.
Charlie De’Ath delivered a notable level of maturity and sobriety to a number of the plays and comic wit to others. He played a very professional front end of a donkey (who desperately wanted to keep his rear end in check) and a convincing drunk shepherd who willingly stood in as a doctor when the need arose.
Angela Simms delivered some memorable laugh-out-loud comedy moments in her parts of the disillusioned retailer and toy factory worker, but was equally as engaging in the part of a daughter facing the bittersweetness of a Christmas gift.
All the actors showed great versatility in the way they delivered humour and tragedy in the different characters they played.
The show ended with a synoptic singalong summarising what happened in each play to the music of Deck The Halls and the audience were invited to sing along in the chorus which we all did with great gusto.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and thought provoking mix of stories that bring home the real meaning of Christmas in ways you’ll be touched by for a long time to come after the final curtain.
Reviewer - Catherine Gall
om - 8.12.23
om - 8.12.23
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