The Listies Ruin Xmas

The Listies are presenting a lovely fresh and very engaging Christmas show for everyone, except perhaps ‘old grumps’.  No, seriously, it is a very funny, joyful, silly and heartwarming show for everyone.  Grown-ups of all ages and kids can have heaps of fun and laughs together.

This show continues the tradition of Malthouse Theatre putting on a children’s show every year.

Although this show is like a great big Christmas party, proceedings commence with a balancing reminder, that, as overwhelming as it is, Christmas is only one of many important cultural and religious festivals celebrated in Australia.

Richard Higgins and Matthew Kelly as confident, consummate, charismatic performers are able to add lib with unflappable, fluid, flexible and highly energetic spontaneity for the duration.

Popular culture is referenced throughout and kooky characterization abounds.

There are Christmas trees, crazy present wrapping, nighttime karaoke with Nan, Barbies, bad cracker jokes and an hysterical parody called ‘Jack and the Beans Talk’, even an alien attack and snow! 

A well-managed chaos, aided by Set and Costume design consultant Marg Horwell, abounds as proceedings move at a brisk and lively rate.  And yes there is heaps of audience interaction.

Highly recommended – take the whole family.

Suzanne Sandow

Photographer: Pia Johnson