A Pissedmas Carol

Sh!tfaced Showtime - Leicester Square Theatre

Is this allowed? A question you will frequently ask yourself throughout this show. It's unhinged, jolly, and hilarious. Is this what Dickens wanted for his story? Probably not. But it's brilliant.

Production image taken by Andrew AB Photography

Marley was dead to begin with... And he should possibly stay that way, because I'm not sure he would be able to handle this show. If you like a mulled wine-infused festive show, then look no further, this is Sh!tfaced Showtime's best work! Would I take my family to this show? Perhaps not... unless they are a little crazy too. This is the perfect friendsmas outing. If you aren't aware of Sh!tfaced Productions' shows, here is the concept summed up: One of these professional actors is drunk, and it's a mystery which one it is. You'll work it out. Trust me. They tell a Christmas Carol, whilst navigating a drunk actor... it gets a little kooky, and it is fun to drink along. It gets better. The audience decides when to give a few more drinks to keep the actor drunk. If this isn't what Christmas is all about, I'm not sure what is!

Is this allowed, though? It must be. James Murfitt, who leads the show, almost like a ring leader, keeps the story going and pauses the show when the actors stray too far and if they are getting a bit too out of hand. Izzy Wroe Wright, who plays Tiny Tim and Belle, was the vodka-infused actor for this performance. Whilst she was chaotic and wild, her voice during songs was incredible. Some impressive notes and vocal techniques. She kept to the story, with a few crazy deviations that kept the audience laughing hysterically. Her chemistry with Scrooge, played by Ashley Gerlach, was very funny to watch... along with her chemistry with, well, rather a few of the other cast members. Fezzywig's party was wild, and Belle's hangxiety the next day may have been rather difficult. What a performance. This isn't the first time I've watched a Sh!tfaced Productions piece; the last one, I wondered if the cast was actually drunk. In this one, I wholeheartedly believe that Izzy Wroe Wright hit that bottle like a true trooper and made sure the audience was blown away.

Being in the audience is a joy because it's not a show where the same things happen every night, and it makes you want to go back for more. The book is centre stage at the start, and it gives the audience this false sense of security... because things will not go to plan. The unhinged, unplanned chaos is where the charm is. The image the set creates on stage is simple, but effective. They have everything they need to create the environment of 'A Christmas Carol'. The set is designed by Nicola Jones. The desk reminds you of Scrooge's hard-working character and, of course, creates the image of the work environment. The fireplace and door knocker are great and integral parts of the set that set up the story. Then, in true Sh!tfaced Showtime style, there are a couple of drinks on stage to remind the audience of the fun they are about to have and what the drunk actor will indeed be drinking soon. Foreshadowing the mayhem to unravel.

Sh!tfaced Showtime is a lot of fun and an experience. It's worth adding them to your theatre list, because their shows get better each time you watch them. If you like unserious, theatre fun, then this is your kind of show this festive season. It's safe to say that Sh!Tfaced Showtime have a great formula for a hilarious and organised chaos-infused show. Can't wait for the next one! We'll make sure to follow their journey on Tab in the City to see how they develop and grow. What a barrel of festive fun.