The Christmas Thing at Seven Dials Playhouse

The Christmas Thing is the festive version of The Mr Thing Show, a show that is put together live on stage, where the surprise guests are the audience members. Co-hosts and co-creators Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser have set themselves up for quite the challenge: with no way to predict how their audience will react, every night brings a different set of uniquely skilled guests and disruptions. Totally unpredictable, this comedy format ensures they never grow bored, with fun at the heart of Mr Thing’s wholesome and chaotic operation.

Having known each other since the age of five, Clarkson and Visser work in perfect synergy, complementing their multiple talents. Clarkson has the warm, contagious energy and quick wit of a seasoned TV host, while Visser shines as the tech wizard who can also belt out a tune and deliver hilarious one-liners. Despite the spontaneous element intrinsic to the concept, however, make no mistake: Mr Thing don’t just leave things to chance. There’s clearly an enormous amount of work behind the scenes, with Clarkson, Visser and their crew doing everything they can to create the ideal conditions for spontaneity to thrive.

Before the show begins, for instance, audience members are invited to scan a QR code and fill out a form, featuring some very serious questions such as the divisive query, “What do you prefer: parsnips or sprouts?” This sets the stage for Clarkson and Visser to keep a light and inclusive atmosphere, where comedy serves as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion. There’s no mockery here – just light-hearted fun.

For those who dread audience participation, fearing the spotlight of traditional comedy shows, The Christmas Thing is a refreshing departure. At the very start, Clarkson raises the portcullis of fear and anxiety by reassuring everyone that participation is entirely optional, and nobody should feel forced to. With this barrier removed, laughter is free to flow.

The show, in fact, turns audience participation into a celebration of quirky talents, whether it’s panicking on cue, downing a drink with record-breaking speed, or pretending to be having fun at a dull party. Lucky participants get to play silly games (nothing overly complex) and enjoy the rare thrill of being a special guest on a live TV show.

From a technical standpoint, the production is impressive, and the multimedia components elevate the comedy, resulting in some of the most iconic moments. Visser’s performance in the walkaround sketch, for instance, is a masterclass in original comedic genius.

Adding an element of tension is the ominous presence of the Krampus – a foreboding figure bent on ruining Christmas. While the chase scene involving Camera Three (an audience member and fellow reviewer) pursuing the Krampus was thoroughly entertaining, this subplot with all its disruptive potential could have been explored further. Towards the end, it loses some of its initial momentum, with the audience possibly not feeling as involved as most of the action happens outside of the studio. 

Overall, the show serves as a reminder of the seriousness of playfulness – embracing fun for fun’s sake. Delightfully wholesome, The Christmas Thing is multimedia storytelling at its silliest and finest.

Benedetta Mancusi
Photo: Nia Visser

The Christmas Thing is at Seven Dials Playhouse from 4^th until 21^st December 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.