Review: Christmas Actually
Christmas Actually appears to be a passion project for Naomi Price—who is the leading lady, Songbird, co-writer and co-producer of this festive homage to Richard Curtis’ fabulous film. The result is an enjoyable romp through songs from the film soundtrack, complete with a Carols from the Domain-style encore. Many of us include Love Actually in the pre-Christmas build-up… but if you aren’t word-perfect with the original then don’t worry: just go with the flow, and enjoy the experience. And then dash home to watch the film and realise what you’ve been missing.
The 2019 La Boite show has some new performers, but I have a feeling it’s just as much fun second-time round. Naomi Price is a witty host who combines patter (including coarse language that is consistent with the film), and suitable costume changes, with some great vocal performances. The band and fellow-singers are well-chosen. Stefanie Caccamo, Tom Oliver and Alex Rathgeber prove to be highly accomplished back-up singers who are equally entertaining in the spotlight. If you know the film, then you’ll love the lobster and Hugh Grant lookalike Jump dancing (and if you don’t know the film, you have a treat in store).
The band were more than up to the score—with standout work by Scott French and by Michael Manikus. And what a pleasure to attend a musical/concert where the sound designer worked hard on the mix (I was delighted that my ears weren’t ringing at the end of the night—thanks to the excellent work by Sound Designer Geoff McGahan).
The website suggests that running time is 75 minutes but expect a longer show (at least 85 minutes), which can mean a short delay to the start of the 9pm performances. Time for an extra drink before you go in, with opportunities to linger at the end of the night (even after two shows on Friday 29 November, the cast were singing carols around the piano in the bar, so you certainly get your money’s worth).
Ideal for pre-Christmas catch-ups, office parties, and perhaps a gift to yourself or for hard-to-buy-for friends and family. There are opportunities to engage with the performance (there was a very enthusiastic ‘brass’ section for the show we attended), or just sit back and watch everyone having fun. You’ll come out ready for the festive season: humming the tunes, and ready to watch the film. I have a feeling that the Auslan-interpreted 4 December show might be particularly unmissable, but if tickets are available and you want to get into the Christmas spirit, then Jump into La Boite before Christmas Actually closes on 7 December.
Verdict: A great choice for your pre-Christmas celebrations—as part of a group, or on your own. Note: You are likely to experience film flashbacks, and may find yourself becoming part of other people’s Christmas parties.
Audience information: Coarse language. The 27 Nov-7 Dec 2019 La Boite Roundhouse Theatre run has only twelve shows, including two 9pm performances (Wed-Thurs 7:30pm only, Fri-Sat 7pm & 9pm). 85+ minutes (no interval, but opportunities to visit the bar and bring drinks back into the theatre). Tickets are $50 (general admission, banked seating), $70 (Cabaret-style, only available in sets of 2 or 4, and includes a beverage on entry), and $100 (Royal Box, includes a beverage and cheese platter, and also only available in sets of 2 or 4). Note: All ticket sales incur an additional $4.50 transaction fee.
The reviewer attended the first 9pm show of the short 2019 run (9pm-ish, Friday 29 November 2019). A shorter version of this review appeared on InMyHonestOpinion.com.au.
Note: Show co-written and co-produced with Adam Brunes.
Pictures Credit: Creative Futures Photography.