The Christmas Thing

"How are you feeling tonight?" asked a QR code on the door, which, upon scanning, informed me that I was now part of the "TV audience" for The Christmas Thing at Seven Dials Playhouse. Sensing imminent audience participation, I ticked "nervous." Little did I know about Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser's disarming ability to make the whole room feel at ease. This festive remake of their cult-classic fringe show is silly, surprising, and sure to make even the biggest Scrooge smile.

The multimedia performance invites you onto the set of a late-night chat show—except there are no celebrities, it isn’t being broadcast anywhere, and the audience members are the stars of the show. There’s a loose central premise involving an "Xmas goat demon," which is as bonkers as it sounds, all wrapped up with interactive games, improv routines, and musical numbers. It’s nonsensical at times, but you’re having far too much fun to care.

It all takes place on a truly impressive set up. The stage resembles a 90’s studio, riddled with kitsch furniture techy inventions and pop culture references. Not three but four cameras capture the action happening on and off the stage, one of which is attached to a helmet and worn by a punter for the entirety of the two hour run time. The ability to beam unsuspected crowd members onto the big screen allows for as much laughter as it does embarrassment.

Despite their modest self digs that they are in the smallest venue in the west end, it's obvious that Tom and Owen are firm favourites for those in the know. Their show Mr.Thing was listed as a must see at this years fringe and video cameos from the likes of Mo Gilligan and Ed Jones show their gravitas in the industry. It’s clear to see why. Not every joke landed and the story could be tighter, but this duo’s playful attitude is infectious. In this cult everyone’s invited, and judgement’s left at the door.