The
Night Before Christmas
Playwright- Anthony Neilson
Company - Dundee Rep Theatre Company Platform Productions
Director - Sandy Neilson
Venue - Dundee Rep 01382 223530
Dates - 12 - 23 December 2000 first production December 1999
at Dundee Rep
Reviewer Jan Natanson
Dundee Rep's late night show, has the audience rocking with laughter,
laughter of the best sort- the kind that surprises and delights with
jokes, gags, physical humour. This sideways look at Christmas is underpinned
with an authenticity that we recognise and appreciate. Who hasn’t railed
against the materialism of modern Christmas? Who hasn’t yearned to glimpse
the festive season through a more innocent eye again?
The play is set in a faceless warehouse somewhere down South where Gary
sells his dodgy gear. Gary has caught someone attempting to break in,
he's phoned his friend Simon to come and help him decide what to do.
Well, that’s the kick that starts off this gem of a play. It is Christmas
Eve after all - when even the most cynical and hard boiled of characters
might be persuaded to believe in a little bit of magic. And the intruder
is very persuasive. It is one of the delights of this drama that, like
the characters in the play, the audience find themselves pulled between
cynicism and wanting to believe in a Christmas miracle.
The skilful, assured writing by Anthony Neilson is well structured and
fast moving. Sustained with a strong and varied humour throughout, the
play has real depth to the characterisation which engages the audience
completely. The dialogue is very rude but at the same time both perceptive
and inventive. Four letter words may fly thick and fast but this is
authentic dialogue from real characters. It's very very funny. The acting
is of a consistently high standard with good ensemble playing. The actors
assured physicality adds an extra layer of comic delight, while keeping
a strong sense of their character’s authenticity. It was great to watch
how facial expression and body posture could add so much layering of
emotional depth.
I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Whether you go all soppy over Santa
or are more of a “Bah humbug!” type, I recommend this as an antidote
to some of the pap that will be served up this Christmas. It’s not just
a good Christmas entertainment, it’s a cracker of a play!
© Jan Natanson December 2000
Review
of 2001 Production of The Night Before Xmas
