REVIEW | The First XXXmas: A Very Naughty-tivity
Written by Kay
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review.
The First XXXMAS is a naughty, cabaret retelling of the original Christmas story, featuring a variety of performers from across the industry. Its loose interpretation of the nativity is a delight for fans of creative theatre and its inclusive casting welcomes people traditionally alienated by mainstream productions.
For the third year running, the Wales Millennium Centre is home to a collaborative production with Duncan Hallis, with what they have confirmed is to be their final Christmas offering in Cardiff. Having previously performed their interpretations of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (The Lion, The Bitch and The Wardrobe) and XXXMas Carol, this time they’ve set their sights on the Nativity.
So, how accurate is this retelling of the nativity?
Well, swap the Virgin Mary for the Virgin Polly (played by Cardiff drag artist Polly Amorous). Then replace Herold with a blood-soaked politician (played by circus performer Eric McGill) and the little donkey for daredevil trapeze artist Bunmi Odumosu. Finally, exchange Bethlehem for Newport, and you start to get the picture.
The result is something rather spectacular, a show that somehow represents the true nature of cabaret with deep meanings embodied into every aspect of the production. Huge political topics are embedded in its storytelling with issues such as immigration, the monarchy, and LGBTQ+ rights touched upon.
A special mention goes to bellydancer Rahim El Habachi, who beautifully sang an Arabic folk song, while the words “Jesus was a refugee” flashed on the wall behind him. Meanwhile, Burlesque performer, Foo Foo Labelle, laments on the wasteful nature of capitalism while dancing as an Amazon-styled parcel.
In amongst all of this, there was also a moment for the Welsh language with Polly singing various verses of Robbie Williams’ Angels in Welsh.
Housed in the lesser-known Weston Studio, this production is a great example of the gaps that independent productions can fill. While the other venues within the Centre house many of the productions with which we are familiar, the Weston Studio is a space for the wild, the whacky, and the independent.
If you’re looking for something fun, festive and heart-warming to get you in the spirit this Christmas spirit, then this is undoubtedly the show for you.
At Wales Millennium Centre until 31 December.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
