The Christmas Thing

Seven Dials Playhouse

Playing until 20th December 2025

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Photo credit: Nia Visser

{PR Gifted ticket}

Stepping onto the stage of an old-school talk show, almost as if The Christmas Thing is trying to gives us the whole experience from front of house to behind the scene extravaganza. Blending improv, verbal and physical humour, the show brings the audience into the show as if we are in a studio, inviting participations all in the name of celebrating Christmas festivities.

Our dynamic duo of presenters, Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser (also writers and directors) are playful, engaging, with the ability to react to the audience’s response and cues at a moment’s notice. One could not help but marvel at their skills to charm the room, working with audience members to turn almost anything into howls of laughter. Importantly, our co-hosts handle each scenario carefully, never making the audience members feel uneasy or afraid to be picked next.

Often times, audience members would shriek and run from the mere mention of participation, but here, I can promise that there isn’t a hint of awkwardness or hesitations on what one might need to do when called upon. Clarkson and Visser are such experts in their craft, enthusing the most hesitant people into anything they want you to do.

Although the two hosts have different roles, with one acting as more of the main host and the other the techie guy. However, it is difficult to look at either of them independently as their acts are so intricately linked, playing and bouncing off each other’s responses. Together, they guarantee a myriad of surprises and a unique experience for each night’s audience.

While Clarkson and Visser have excellent team work, the improv element and their responses don’t always land and at times, some of their responses and dialogues do venture close to the realm of comedy cliché. However, the adapted version of Tom Francis walk around the block to open Act II adds a nice touch to the show, at least for those familiar with the recent Jamie Lloyd directed revival of Sunset Boulevard.

This show is so chock full of imagination and humour; one could not help but get into the Christmas spirit within this crowd. For those seeking a delightful night out without immersing yourself in pantos or comedy shows filled to the brim with sexual innuendos or p*ss take, this is a definitely an alternative worthy of consideration.

Creatives

Writers / Directors / Co-hosts: Tom Clarkson & Owen Visser

Producer: Emma Chisholm

Additional Material: Dan Clarkson

Featuring: Mustafa Fecto

Musical Director: Andy Chisholm

Composer: Jack Garratt

Video Designer: Gus Melton

Lighting Designer: Bob Visser