Present – Live Theatre, Newcastle

Writer and Director: Ali Pritchard

Let’s face it, Christmas can be a bit much, especially when life has not been kind. If you want to see an extremely festive and love-filled show which acknowledges this, Present at Live Theatre should not be missed.

It contains a lot of incredible drunk and comedy dancing and includes a full-on singalong of carols and Christmas hits which had everyone joining in last night, even including some improvised jingle bells from one member of the audience.

The show opened at Newcastle’s tiny Alphabetti Theatre and five years later is having a much-deserved second outing at Live. It was written by Alphabetti’s talented founder and former artistic director Ali Pritchard. He also directs this production.

Malcolm Shields is the lone cast member, playing Dave, once a happy family man with a business of his own. Now he is alcoholic and homeless and hopeless… until a text arrives on his tiny, ancient phone.

All his six-year-old grandson wants for Christmas this year is to meet his grandad. Dave has to fight his demons, find a present and, crucially, a way to pay for it. Shields choreographs and delivers a tour de force and has the audience rapt and willing him to succeed at every step. His joyful donkey impression and cheery window washing routine are notable delights while the most difficult moments are taken achingly slowly.

Molly Barrett’s set is a street and a bench and a bin with projections of crowds of passers by. High above it sits the show’s musical arranger and composer Ceitidh Mac, who is also a talented performer. She opens the show with a folky rendition of All I Want for Christmas, self-accompanied on cello, and then accompanies most of the rest of the performance shifting from cello to guitar, mingled with recordings and percussion, and singing snatches of lots of hits in her own tender, lilting way.

The final scene finds Dave uneasily won over by a volunteer from homeless charity Crisis and Live is encouraging contributions for Crisis to be brought along to any pre-Christmas show including individually wrapped portions of crisps, savoury snacks, chocolate, confectionery; tea, coffee, tinned food; deodorant, hand/foot cream, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, flannels, lip balm, hairbrushes, face wash; puzzle books; new or in excellent condition men’s jumpers, winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves or new sleeping bags.

Thanks to Crisis – whose members helped to develop the play – there is hope for Dave and his grandson. Fingers crossed!

Runs until 21 December 2024