I hate to break it to you but we are one month out from Christmas. The next four weeks will be chocka with secret santas, office shouts, manic panic pressie buying…and of course, nutty fruitcakes (and that’s just your immediate family (ba dum tss!)). 

What better way to get in the mood than with Theatre Hawke’s Bay’s Yuletide offering: ‘Twas The Fight Before Christmas.

Here you’ll find all the elements of the typical Krimbo: mince tarts, heavy drinking, overbearing family, neighbours popping in unannounced, mental breakdowns and a bit of harmless gaslighting. It’s relatable, cringy in a good way, and a jolly romp right through to the final Feliz Navidad.

The play, by Kiwi Devon Williamson, shows its French farce ancestry early on with the appearance of Jean-Pierre, whose thick Gallic accent – enriched with myriad shots of absinthe – sets the scene for the buffoonery to come. Ian Thomas in the role is a solid foil to hero Mary (Lisa Miles). Where J-P does the heavy drinking, it’s Mary who does the heavy lifting, holding the show together amid the mayhem brought by the rest of the players. She is the only normal one in a constellation of misfits and madmen, and all she wants for Christmas is a nice, normal family. Instead what she gets is shenanigans and carry-on from all sides.

Miles’ facial expressions and gesticulations command attention. There are, however, moments when the energy dips. These are well caught by the comic timing and hilarious delivery of Lizzie Robertshaw as tin-hat neighbour Ivy and Caroline Ross as gormless Mandy-Wandy. Between them they bounce the eccentricity and absurdism required to lift this above a kitchen-sink dramedy.

Jack Garvey as the long-suffering Desmond is exquisite, from his delivery, to his facial expressions, to the comedic business that signals his arrival, to his dapper and delicious suit. The casting of Stella is a bit off, but actor Rachel Keith gives her best shot and her charming channeling of first a stallion then a rooster saves her.

Although the set design is cleverly devised and delivered there are elements that trip up the cast, or at least inhibit freedom of movement. Over-stuffed armchairs make using the full stage awkward and there are some superfluous props that slow down scene changes. There’s a full stretch downstage that could be better used. This piece relies on fast-paced delivery and slap stick, restriction of passage through the set is nonsensical and stifling.

What this piece provides more than anything is a reason to pull together a crew and kick off the Silly Season. Live theatre – especially community theatre – is so much more than a bit of entertainment. It’s a gift from those on the stage to those in the pews. 

All-in-all ‘Twas the Fight is great fun, packed with bonkers bits and nuttiness, and the perfect start to the festivities ahead.

https://theatrehb.co.nz