For those craving a cheeky, laughter-filled escape from the usual sentimental holiday fare, A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda is just the ticket.
Melbourne’s favourite adults-only Christmas tradition has returned in spectacular form, delivering a festive bonanza of burlesque, parody, and unabashed irreverence. Produced by Woodward Productions, this saucy variety show has been delighting audiences since 2017, and its 2024 season proves the naughty charm is far from wearing off.
A Festive Show with a Wink and a Wiggle
Set against the cosy backdrop of the Alex Theatre, A Very Naughty Christmas is a raunchy, high-energy exploration of the more ‘mature’ side of the holiday season. From sharp comedy skits to hilariously reimagined Christmas carols, the show takes everything you thought you knew about the festive period and flips it on its sequinned, slightly scandalous head. With its potent mix of stand-up, singing, and burlesque-tinged dance numbers, this production is a bold, unapologetic celebration of the Christmas spirit—though not as your grandmother remembers it.
Director and choreographer Dan Venz orchestrates the chaos masterfully, crafting a fast-paced programme that caters to all manner of tastes (provided those tastes lean towards the naughty). This year’s lineup retains the show’s quirky humour while polishing its choreography and musicality, ensuring a mix of fresh surprises and time-tested comic gold.
Standout Performances That Light Up the Stage
Leading the sleigh this season is the wonderfully wicked Tim Paige as “Bad Santa.” A seasoned performer known for his work with Pop-Up Globe, Paige brings devilish charm, innate charisma, and just the right dash of saucy wit to the role. His ability to engage the audience, both from the stage and within its rows, guarantees plenty of belly laughs and perhaps a few blushing cheeks. Paige delivers a Santa who’s just as likely to dole out coal as he is to kickstart a jolly conga line.
But like any good Christmas feast, this show is about the ensemble. Audience favourite Aurelie Roque once again steals the spotlight with her jaw-dropping vocal range and razor-sharp comedic timing. Whether belting out Christmas parodies or sashaying across the stage in full showgirl splendour, Roque’s performance is pure festive magic.
Rounding out this brilliant cast are the equally talented Kate Yaxley, Grace Laing, and Justin Wise, who bring a dynamic energy to every number. Their comedic chops and impressive dance routines prove perfectly suited to the show’s playful tone. Asmara Soekotjo and Callum Marshall, with their dazzling moves and infectiously cheeky stage presence, are unforgettable in ensemble routines that range from sultry to outright hilarious.
Highlights That Had the Audience in Stitches
The evening is brimming with standout moments, each more gleefully inappropriate than the last. From the burlesque spin on “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” to the hilariously irreverent take on “Santa Loves You Less Because You’re Poor,” the comedic songs hit just the right balance of festive and filthy. Equally memorable is the show’s sharp-witted retelling of “The Real Story of Christmas,” which takes the nativity narrative in gleefully unexpected directions.
And then there’s the music. With the powerhouse vocals of Roque and Yaxley, the show serves up surprisingly nuanced performances of classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” re-engineered with a sultry twist. Meanwhile, bandleader Dominic Woodhead helms the live musical accompaniment, ensuring the soundtrack is just as spicy as the onstage antics.
Audience participation is another delightfully unpredictable element. Whether it’s being serenaded by Santa or drawn onto the stage for an impromptu number, the show constantly breaks the fourth wall in the funniest, most engaging ways possible.
A Show to Remember (and Recommend)
The Alex Theatre provides the perfect stage for this debaucherous holiday celebration. Its intimate setting ensures the laughter—and the occasional gasp—can be heard bouncing off every wall. By the time the curtain closes, the theatre feels less like a formal venue and more like a Christmas party with 300 of your closest (and rowdiest) friends.
If there’s any downside to the show, it’s that it might forever change the way you listen to Christmas music. Future renditions of “Jingle Bells” or “I Touch Myself” may never feel quite the same.
For anyone who’s tired of saccharine holiday sentimentality and instead craves a vibrant night of laughter, glitter, and a dash of risqué humour, A Very Naughty Christmas remains a must-see. Whether you’re attending with friends, a partner, or even solo, this show guarantees a rollicking good time that’ll leave you humming (and giggling) all the way home.
Catch A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre until 21 December. But beware: this show is strictly 18+—because Santa has traded sleigh bells for sass, and he’s not looking back.
Images supplied.