Review By Regan Baker
As December rolls around and the temperature in Brisbane start to swelter, there's one thing I look forward to each year: A Very Naughty Christmas at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre. A Christmas tradition that has become a joyful part of my holiday season, this unique holiday show never fails to kick off the festive period with laughter, wit, and an unapologetic touch of cheeky humour. While this year’s performance wasn’t quite as flawless as those in the past, it still proved to be a delightful evening of entertainment, setting the tone for the Christmas season ahead.
This annual production, led by Woodward Productions, has been a beloved fixture of Brisbane’s holiday scene since 2017! It’s a riotous, adults-only take on the usual Christmas fare, mixing sharp wit with hilarious songs and skits that poke fun at everything from family gatherings to the absurdities of the holiday season itself. As always, the cast of A Very Naughty Christmas delivers a show full of energy, charm, and comedy, though it was a slight shame to see some of my favourite cast nor return this season.
One of the undeniable highlights of the production is the phenomenal Aurelie Roque, whose vocal prowess continues to shine as brightly as ever. Roque, an original cast member from eight years ago, brings an incredible combination of vocal range and sharp wit to the stage. Her performances are always a joy, and she makes it clear that she remains one of the key ingredients of the show’s success. Whether she’s belting out a hilarious Christmas parody or delivering a zinger with perfect timing, her performance never fails to bring the house down. The audience’s raucous applause after each of her musical numbers speaks volumes about her talent and stage presence.
Equally impressive is Emily Kristopher, another one of the original cast members, who has become synonymous with A Very Naughty Christmas. Her comedic timing and zany skits are nothing short of genius, and they continue to be a source of uproarious laughter for the audience. There’s something truly special about her ability to blend slapstick humour with sharp observational comedy, and she’s perfected this over the years. It’s a true testament to her skill that, year after year, Kristopher’s performances still leave the audience in stitches.
Anthony Craig, Lachlan Greenland, and Daniel Erbacher make a dynamite song and dance trio that adds a layer of physical comedy to the proceedings. Their well-choreographed numbers, combined with their comedic timing, create a perfect balance of silliness and charm. These three performers clearly have great chemistry, and their contributions to the show are a highlight, providing the audience with some of the most entertaining moments of the evening.
Of course, no holiday performance would be complete without a naughty Santa, and this year, Steve Rooke had the challenge of stepping into the big boots previously worn by the legendary Tim Paige. Rooke certainly gives it his all, but it’s clear that there’s still a bit of a gap to fill when it comes to the larger-than-life presence of Paige’s Santa. However, it’s his first year in the role, and I have no doubt that with time, he’ll grow into the character and make it his own. There’s a certain warmth in his performance, and I look forward to seeing him take the naughty Santa reins even further in future years.
Taylah Ferguson and Lauren Jimmieson round out the cast, adding their own dynamite stage presence to the production. Both bring an incredible level of energy to their roles, each adding something unique to the show’s dynamic. Whether it’s through their comedic timing or their impressive vocal and dance skills, they contribute to the high-energy atmosphere that the production is known for. Together, they help to create a well-rounded ensemble cast that has the audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish.
As much as I love A Very Naughty Christmas, I can’t help but feel that this year’s show didn’t quite hit the same high notes as previous seasons. A few of the jokes didn’t land as perfectly as they have in past productions and felt a little more reserved than what its’ been in previous year. It wasn’t a bad show by any means, but there were moments when the energy felt a little off, or when certain jokes seemed to fall flat. That being said, it’s hard not to have fun when you’re surrounded by so much talent and Christmas cheer. The show still delivered on its promise to entertain, and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to keep the audience in good spirits.
In conclusion, while this year’s A Very Naughty Christmas might not have quite matched the brilliance of years past, it was still a fantastic way to kick off the Christmas season. The cast, led by the incomparable Aurelie Roque and Emily Kristopher, delivered a show full of holiday cheer, laughter, and just the right amount of naughtiness. As always, this show remains a holiday tradition that I’ll happily return to year after year.
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