Writers: Michael Hartless, Stewart McDonald, Liam Gillies, Janine Hammond, David Sandall, Ste Mc, Jacqui Dunne
Director: Nicole Behan
A festive sketch show-styled carousel of seven short entertaining plays filled with plenty of Christmas-themed treats.
Stocking Fillers returns with another fun dose of festive shenanigans showcasing the Royal Court’s talented writing group. There isn’t much room here for any kind of deep characterisation, instead, the focus is on the conceptualisation of each story which is where the writing thrives.
The Royal Court studio is certainly dressed for the occasion, draped wall to wall with multi-coloured Christmassy lights, decorations and sparkly trees dressed in a hue of reds and greens. This ambience bleeds onto the set with the clever use of an adaptable wooden bench and wrapped-up boxes which are repositioned to set each scene. A backdrop featuring the Liverpool cityscape projects signage which helps to set the location of each piece.
Under the direction of Nicole Behan, the plays are brought to their feet by our brilliant quartet of actors, Charity Bedu-Addo, Charlie De’Ath, Jamie Peacock, and Angela Simms. They bring the energy, albeit with the odd pacing issue, and deliver these funny scripts with comic timing and watchable physicality. Unfortunately, the actors are battling with some very distracting people noise outside the back of the auditorium (despite a member of staff’s best efforts to make it stop), something the Royal Court needs to address.
The evening begins with Mother of Jesus by Michael Hartless. A funny take on the casting of the annual Nativity, where the pushy parents at St Nicholas Primary School act like West End casting agents for their little darlings. The comparisons between the children and top Hollywood stars is brilliant (‘how can they be denied their Oscar worthy performances?’), performed with comedic flair by Simms as Mrs Peach who is determined by any means to keep with family tradition to make sure her child is cast as the protagonist, Mary. The economic statistics and psychological impact pertaining to playing a minor role in the school Nativity provides a humorous warning to all parents.
Christmas is for Kids, by Stewart McDonald. A touching take on how Christmas triggers deep-seated nostalgia, often tinged with sadness when we remember those who are no longer with us. Two thirty somethings recreate childhood memories with some funny role play, which takes a magical turn, which may or may not involve dodgy Uncle Paul. McDonald captures how Christmas is a time to reflect on what was, whilst also celebrating the birth of the new.
Donkey Show by Liam Gillies. A clever piece which questions the relevance of the traditional pantomime. We meet the two method actors playing the pantomime horse, the dedicated top, 35 years in the business, Sam (De’Ath) and the questioning bottom, David (Peacock), who wants to throw in the towel in favour for some Shakespeare. They both take their craft very seriously, with focused physical warm ups and rehearsing the technical steps in four-legged tandem fashion. A casting change from Horse to Donkey throws up a whole lot psychological profiling to find the character within, with Sam actually embodying the Donkey’s mannerisms. This is an interesting concept with many theatres opting to step away from traditional pantomime themes. But what does this mean for the pantomime donkey, a twist at the end reveals its fate.
The Half Angel, a funny ditty by Janine Hammond. Hapless fellas in various cliched forms performed by De’Ath, attempt to buy their other halves something sexy for the festive season at the Ho Ho Hosiery. Simms takes on the role as fed up and painfully identifiable, cynical Manager Julie, the project of the Half Angel. Julie’s dry humour provides a challenge for the apprentice who is hoping to build up their wings as they try and remind Julie to be proud of what she’s achieved.
Last Christmas by David Sandall. A touching story which explores themes around assisted dying and how each Christmas should be appreciated as our last. This difficult concept is faced with plenty of football jokes (a running theme throughout most of the plays) and reassurance laced with humour which is quickly melted away. The realisation of missing out on future family events, such as his daughters’ weddings reveal the true vulnerability behind the brave mask of a father facing imminent death, nicely portrayed by De’Ath.
The Face of Christmas by Ste Mc. Based in Santa’s workshop, a naughty elf (Simms) moans to the sweet innocent newbie elf (Bedu-Addo) about how awful the boss is. Hilarious insults are in abundance, but everything isn’t what it seems. A clever play which provides a very human perspective from Santa’s cheeky little helpers.
Christmas Delivery by Jacqui Dunne. A young heavily pregnant couple are stranded on Christmas Eve when their car breaks down on (low and behold!) Bethlehem Lane. Unsuspecting locals get roped in to an impromptu Christmas delivery with more football jokes which are forgiven with some affective physical comedy, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Some stories unfortunately peaked too early and included repetitive narratives thus hindering satisfying crescendos. Alternative creative casting choices could have been considered with the production blessed with four versatile actors who were given similar roles throughout.
Overall, a fun evening of entertainment celebrating local writing talent, nicely wrapped together with a great cast and a jolly finale sing along.
Runs until 30th December 2023.
1 Comment
Thanks for the positive review of ‘Last Christmas’