Presented by Woodward Productions
A perfect release to the year and a naughty escape at its busiest time. Get ready to see what Santa has for you in his sack!
Reviewed by Annika Loci
Alex Theatre, St Kilda
Until 21st December, 2024
WARNING: Adults only (18+yrs with valid ID), partial nudity
Tickets: www.averynaughtychristmas.com
After humble beginnings in Brisbane and now entertaining more than 40,000 patrons over seven seasons, A Very Naughty Christmas made its highly successful debut in Melbourne last year and is back for its second cheeky season with new naughty material for Melbourne audiences. Created in 2017 by Alex Woodward and Daniel Venz, AVNC brings the celebration of Christmas to the stage with a different “adults only” edge.
This highly talented ensemble of eight offers an hilarious “tightly packed” combination of cabaret, pantomime Christmas songs and carols including “Baby it’s Cold Outside” and “Jingle Bell Rock” (OG Mean Girls movie era). The show is presented together with some with well-developed skits and stand up comedy written by Stephen Hirst and naughtily fun choreography and creative burlesque style dance numbers created by Daniel Venz. Personally, I appreciated the full tap number, and the burlesque-style mash up of “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer”/Roxanne. To add to the fun, what’s a cabaret without (favourite for some, while others might use the nights “safe word”) audience participation!
Keeping this very talented cast and show on track is swearing Bad Santa himself Tim Paige (of Bell Shakespeare productions). Returning for a second year on the naughty ride is the very sexy and vocally outstanding Kate Yaxley (Groundhog Day) and Jordan Twigg (Billy Elliot). Rounding out the vocal trio this year is Grace Laing (The Voice Finalist).
Dance Captain Asmara Soekotjo (Miss Saigon) together with Callum Marshall (Elvis: A Musical Revolution) show off their sizzling dance technique in a number of sections. Jarrod Moore (Moulin Scrooge) and Justin Wise (Marvellous! The Show) both bring a great balance of vocals and comedy, especially in skits with Yaxley and Laing. Although AVNC is an ensemble production, every cast member has their moment to “reveal their talents”.
…this show you might just end you up on Santa’s naughty list this year instead, but it’s worth it!
The two-storey set design (Josh McIntosh) includes moody and festive lighting (Declan O’Neill) which works brilliantly in the intimate space of The Alex. The live three piece band led by Martine Wengrow sits on the second story in full view, cheekily watching the performance from on high.
This riotous production is a gift that keeps on giving all night long. Just when you think what more could the show do to push the boundaries, more silliness and humour is pulled out of Santa’s sack.
However, if you prefer your Christmas playlist unchanged, are uncomfortable with partial nudity or burlesque entertainment and like your comedy smut-free – then this is not the show for you. On the other hand, if you are in need of some adults only ‘elf-care’ and an enjoyable 18+ night out, then get ready to put your inhibitions aside and let loose with a show full of Christmas flirtation, humour and a sexy twist to this holiday season.
A Very Naughty Christmas will have you laughing like bowl full of jelly, and even if you’ve been nice, enjoying this show you might just end you up on Santa’s naughty list this year instead, but it’s worth it!
Tickets and Show Information:
Melbourne, 5-21 December – Alex Theatre St. Kilda
Brisbane, 21 November-18 December – La Boite
Gold Coast, 20-21 December – The Star
www.averynaughtychristmas.com
