FEATURE
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS WORDS: CLAIRE DUPREE IF PANTO’S NOT YOUR BAG AND THE THOUGHT OF A SEASONAL SING-ALONG MAKES YOUR BLOOD RUN COLD, NEVER FEAR – THERE ARE PLENTY OF FESTIVE THRILLS TO ENJOY THROUGHOUT THE REGION THAT WON’T REGISTER ON THE CRINGE-O-METER...
STAGE Reece Connolly’s Antichristmas at Laurel’s in Whitley Bay sees two down-on-their-luck millennials cut a deal with a shifty looking fella in a red suit and beard, who offers them a pile of never-ending cash in return for helping to deliver a very special baby into the world...what follows is a “very weird and pretty dark comedy” which takes in the impending apocalypse and the true meaning of the season (8-11 Dec). There’s further unusual tales of the Big Man himself at Alphabetti, as store worker Nadia copes with demanding customers, minimum wage, no time off, zero hours contracts and a terrible boss on Christmas Eve. As the elves stage a riot, Santa Must Die! is a show about finding joy in unexpected places and how it’s really shit when Christmas is all work and no play (16-31 Dec). If it’s a lavish production you’re after, look no further than Northern Stage’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a magical new adaptation by Laura Lindow of the classic tale; set on the streets of Newcastle, audiences will be wowed by puppetry, live music written by Katie Doherty, magic and illusion as they follow the adventures of Hatty Rabbit who has been invited to interview for a sorcerer’s apprentice (until 31 Dec). It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Scrooge or two, and Arts Centre Washington oblige with their take on A Christmas Carol, created by live storytelling duo The Book of Darkness & Light (16 Dec). For some adult-themed fun, get yourself to Bonnie & Fanny’s gaff (otherwise known as Live Theatre) for a collaboration like no other as comedy troupe Your Aunt Fanny and drag trio Bonnie & The Bonnettes team up for their legendary Bonnie & Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular. Prepare for the unexpected, with sketches, lip-sync, dancing and a fair amount of raucous bad behaviour (1-23 Dec).
COMEDY There’s festive fun for all ages as Sammy Dobson, Lee Kyle and Hannah Walker offer up a family variety show at The Stand, which promises songs, stand-up and sketches with an alternative twist (18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31 Dec). Another regional comedy favourite comes in the form of The Suggestibles’ Impro Pantso at Northern
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Stage; proudly proclaiming ‘no script, no score, no kids’, the legendary improv troupe will take a hilarious epic misadventure on the venue’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice set (16-17 Dec). South Shields’ Customs House plays host to the much loved Jason Cook’s Christmas Comedy Club, where you could expect to see huge TV names, daft guests and a few surprises along the way (20 Dec). Comedian Aidan Goatley presents a heart-warming stroll through his 12 Films of Christmas at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, which have helped to shape his love of the festive season. Certain to warm the heart of even the toughest Grinch (13 Dec). New comedy kids on the block Felt Nowt have shows popping up all over the North East throughout December which would make a perfect Christmas night out, of particular note are the New Act of the Year Competitions at Laurel’s in Whitley Bay (30 Nov, 7, 12 Dec); their new club at Sunderland’s Dun Cow features superb line-ups including Nick Cranston, Kelly Edgar, David Hadingham and host Si Beckwith (10-11 Dec); South Causey Inn in Stanley welcome Mike Milligan, Julie Grady Thomas, Ben Van Der Velde and Gavin Webster (17 Dec) and Carnival Inn in Southwick’s show features Simon Donald, John Whale, Julie Grady Thomas and host Lee Kyle (18 Dec). There’s plenty more on their website too. Loveable Mackem Matt Reed is as busy as Santa himself this year, hosting several high profile nights across the region. First up is ARC Stockton’s Beat The Gong Christmas Special, where twelve brand new acts go up against the gong and win over the audience (3 Dec); Matt takes on compere duties for Big Mouth Comedy Club’s shows at Middlesbrough Town Hall, where he’ll be joined by musical comedian Christian Reilly and comedy powerhouse Mark Nelson (4 Dec), and award-winning raconteur Larry Dean and one-liner supremo Mark Simmons (18 Dec); while back at ARC he’s at the helm of Catch 22 Comedy Club’s Christmas Special, alongside the twisted comedy of Omar Abid and cocky banter from John Fothergill (10 Dec). Over at Play Brew Co in Middlesbrough, Ace Comedy Club’s Christmas Night Out sees Teesside-based Irish-Iranian funnyman Patrick Monahan take the headline spot, with supports from Tom Taylor, host James Kilvington and more (17 Dec).
