Lovers Actually

So how to describe the show?…in a word. Raunchy. Which, having seen the parody show last year, is what we’ve come to expect from The Other Palace’s recent annual Christmas tradition. Combining the element of sexual humour with classic Christmas songs is honestly a stroke of genius and we find ourselves crying with laughter. 

As a parody, this show works incredibly well from confirming our suspicions that Billy Mack and his boss are an item to the British prime minister telling Trump exactly where to go. This writing duo know exactly what they’re doing. The attention to detail and thought proceeds, so not only are key moments from the film realised but transformed into comedy gold that doesn’t feel out of place. 

Additionally the multi layered approach of a mix of visual, physical  and verbal gags allows the comedy to hit from all angles, a real strength of this show. 

Such strong comedy is handled expertly by this cast of four bold performers, who all play multiple roles. Holly Sumpton’s spoken vocal range is elastic, Joseph Beach’s comedic timing is second to none, as is his ability to make a hilarious stage mishap even funnier and Ross Clifton’s impressions don’t leave much to be desired. 

It must be said that Alex Jackson’s direction is careful and considered to ensure that the audience doesn’t lose the plot even if they aren’t entirely sure what they’ve just witnessed.