Who’s Holiday at Southwark Playhouse

Who’s Holiday is the festive comedy you didn’t know you’d been waiting for. Created by Matthew Lombardo, the performance is narrated by a grown-up version of Cindy Lou Who, the little girl from Dr Seuss’s The Grinch, whose life has taken an unfortunate turn since she met that grumpy, green creature all those Christmases ago. Cindy Lou opens up to the audience on a lonely Christmas Eve to tell her twisted story, which is heartfelt, hopeful and always wildly hilarious.

Directed by Kirk Jameson and produced by Tuckshop and Jack Maple Productions, the comedy celebrated a critically acclaimed run off-Broadway in 2017 and is now back for its London debut. 

The star of the show is US Drag icon Miz Cracker, who was a fan favourite in RuPaul’s Drag Race season ten. She is undeniably brilliant as Cindy Lou. The smiles on the audience’s faces did not fade for a single moment, and at the rare moments when they weren’t laughing, they were sighing in sympathy for Cindy Lou’s plight. Particularly entertaining was her spontaneous rap scene, which induced hysterics and was perfectly produced.   

Most impressively, the story is told entirely in Dr Seuss-style rhyme, which is wittily written and never feels forced or tiresome, but rather makes it impossible not to become engrossed. The rhymes flow so perfectly that they only add to the hilarity, as if the audience has fallen inside an adults-only Dr Seuss tale. Modernised comments are cleverly thrown in at well-timed moments. Laughter was particularly loud at the mention of the Lorax, who has gotten fat, by the way, or Sam-I-Am, who no longer eats green eggs and ham because he’s become vegan.

This comedy show is the perfect treat for anyone looking for something different to do this Christmas. The set, designed by Justin Williams, glows with the pastel pinks and blues of Cindy Lou’s Whoville home, acting as the colourful backdrop for sparkling Christmas lights and tinsel. Upon entering the auditorium, attendees are transported to a more glimmery, girlier and playful version of a Santa’s grotto. The atmosphere in the theatre feels charged with holiday cheer, and the surround seating of the Southwark Playhouse is ideal for the performance, allowing the audience to unite with Cindy Lou to bring out the wild comedy, but also the hopeful humanity, which is embedded throughout her words.  Who’s Holiday promises a hilariously fun and festive night out, which is sure to win laughs from even the most Grinch-like theatregoer.

Eleanor Antoniou
Image: Mark Senior

Who’s Holiday is at Southwark Playhouse from 7^th December until 7^th January 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.