Debauched Christmas hijinks from two drag stars
Are you in need of some anti-Christmas cheer this year? Perhaps a visit to the wacky realm of Séayoncé will be just the treat.
After the success of previous shows such as She Must Be Hung! at Soho Theatre, Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties hits the Yard Theatre’s stage for the drag artists’ longest ever London run. The brainchild of performer Dan Wye, he is accompanied by fellow drag performer Robyn Herfellow to provide a silly night of camp Christmas fun.
Upon entering the space, we are met with the insides of a shonky television set of a living room on the eve of Christmas, replete with tinsel, trees and presents. We are at Satan Studios, where Séayoncé has managed to secure a slot for her festive shows. But not all is as it seems.
For the first half, we must contend with an outer force attempting to commandeer the show, distorting the usually foul-mouthed humour in favour family friendly content. This will not do. Séayoncé must fix this before they all end up on the naughty list. This plot device is fun, but has the unfortunate effect of nullifying the first half of the show, as the piece only really kicks into gear in the second act. Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties is at its best when the puns are coming thick and fast.
Robyn Herfellow’s embodiment of Leslie, a rough and ready queen, provides a respite and balance to Séayoncé’s raucous humour. They take on the musical duties, providing a piano backdrop to the show, accompanying Séayoncé for many of her boisterous Christmas parody songs. Their cockney geezer persona is the perfect foil to Séayoncé’s extravagance, but their presence is slightly under used. It would have been great to have more of a rapport between the duo, especially in the segments which heavily rely on Séayoncé’s monologic delivery.
The manner of absurdity that the audience is brought into is creatively fuelled. From Santa being an ex-lover of Séayoncé’s come to exact his revenge to making spiritual contact with Jesus Christ live on air, the surreal comedy is a camp and inventive feast for the senses. Although there is a smattering of audience participation, from sing-a-longs to gift giving, this could have been further expanded for comedic effect.
All in all, Séayoncé’s Perky Nativititties is a masterclass in camp comedy, bound together in a tight red bow for your viewing pleasure.