A Very Naughty Christmas – Naughty and Nice

A Very Naughty Christmas - F

Woodward Productions’ A Very Naughty Christmas does exactly what it says on the tin and does it exceedingly well. Both hilarious and heartwarming, this raunchy Christmas cabaret had me laughing non-stop for the full eighty-minute run time.

It’s sparkly, sexy, spectacular, side-splitting, and, of course, very naughty. Get ready to hear your favourite carols as you’ve never heard them before, alongside some dazzling dancing, burlesque, skits and stand-up. But be warned, as executive producer Alex Woodward said: “Melbourne audiences are going straight on Santa’s naughty list.

The show features a cast of eight exceptionally talented performers, each bringing unique and distinctive flair to the performance. Not only are they all hilarious, but they are also captivating. Each of them has incredible vocal talent, impressive dance ability, and a knack for comedy. I can’t stress enough just how remarkable they are.

This show is comedic gold, but it’s also a showcase of some of Melbourne’s finest talent. There’s something magical and hilarious about seeing your favourite Christmas tunes performed by this stellar cast, accompanied by the naughtiest lyrics and just a little bit of nudity.

Aside from being incredibly gifted performers, this cast also knows how to engage an audience. Their energy and excitement were contagious – I felt like I was a part of the show (and owing to the amount of audience involvement, at one point, I really was!).

The atmosphere was welcoming and inviting, and the set and costumes were bright and colourful. Every aspect of the show contributed to that classic and cozy Christmas feeling with a cheeky twist. Indeed, carolling has never been sexier.

Not for the easily offended, this Christmas comedy spectacular is a must-see. A Very Naughty Christmas is running at the Alex Theatre until December 23rd. Do yourself a favour and grab a ticket. You might end up on the naughty list, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.

Ho Ho Ho – A Savage Christmas

A Savage Christmas

Prepare for things to get savage in the latest Australian Christmas flick from director Madeleine Dyer. In A Savage Christmas, transwoman Davina heads home after three years.

Davina anticipates the spotlight to shine on her transition but is surprised as family secrets and lies come to light. These revelations pose a threat to not only their lives but also to another Christmas lunch. A Savage Christmas is a fun addition to a long list of films centred around Christmas.

In A Savage Christmas, we meet the Savage family. Their Christmas day is set to be much like their last name – Savage! The family get together to celebrate the jolly day over lunch. Each family member brings their own issues that come to light as the day progresses. Can the family mend their relationships, or will this year be their last family Christmas?

The ensemble cast of characters successfully demonstrated believability as a dysfunctional family, each with a unique story. Some well-known actors pop up to add another comedy element to the story. We saw supporting roles from the likes of Gary Sweet as a thug and Rachel Griffith as a doctor.

The film’s writers have crafted a group of eccentric characters in amusing situations with witty dialogue delivered from some new and familiar faces.
Throughout the film, we glimpse the typical Australian humour paired with some important topics such as gender identity and adoption.

At times, almost too many topics were included, unfortunately ensuring that most were only partially explored. It was refreshing, however, to see two trans characters take the lead in this movie.

The final scenes highlight the significance of family and forgiveness, which viewers may recognise as relatable to their own family chaos.

This is not one that I would add to my regular yearly Christmas viewing, but it is a lighthearted flick that provides comedic relief during a busy time of the year and is well worth a viewing.

Check your local cinema for session viewing times.

This review also appears on It’s On The House, with more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.