Walking into The Christmas Thing, billed as “part TV special, part live variety show,” I had absolutely no idea what I was letting myself in for. What I did know was that I needed to arrive armed with a festive spirit, an open mind, and a willingness, just in case, I was to be roped into some audience participation. As it turned out, this was exactly the right attitude for a gloriously bonkers, joyously festive night out.
Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser have managed to conjure a brilliantly crafted, zany couple of hours designed for one very noble purpose: to help you forget, just briefly, that Christmas often involves spending time with people you perhaps wouldn’t choose to, and often spending money you don’t have. Instead, they whisk you away into a world of silliness, sparkle, and shared laughter.
The fun begins the moment you enter the theatre. The set is a visual treat – bright, bold, and buzzing with the cheerful chaos of a live TV studio. Screens flash, lights glow, and a delightfully bossy robot cues us when to applaud. Clarkson, beaming in a wonderfully loud yellow suit, slips effortlessly into the role of our master of ceremonies: part talk-show host, part game-show host, part enthusiastic ringmaster. He guides us through the madness with charm and generosity; from the very start, the audience is putty in his capable, mischievous hands. His expressive, warm, and hilariously demonstrative face could win over even the grumpiest Christmas Grinch. Anyone brave (or foolhardy) enough to share a “party piece” was met with nothing but kindness – no cheap mockery here, while more reserved audience members were entirely safe to sit back and simply enjoy the unfolding lunacy.
Meanwhile, Visser, stationed at his magical high-tech command centre, fires off sound bites, visuals, and video snippets with impeccable comic timing. Every so often, he leaps into the shared spotlight to sing or dance in gloriously cheesy variety-show fashion, all while sporting a radiant red suit that makes him the perfect counterpoint to Clarkson’s sunshine yellow. Their chemistry is undeniable – they look like they’re having the time of their lives, and that infectious joy radiates into the room.
The evening is peppered with brilliantly silly games, with the audience split into two competing teams. My team lost, tragically, heroically, but I’ve almost recovered. Everything comes wrapped in a festive bow: Christmas-themed challenges, seasonal nonsense, and enough laughter to warm even the iciest December night.
I’m reluctant to give too much away, because the show’s magic lies in discovery and each performance will inevitably transform with a new crowd. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by an energetic, enthusiastic audience who came ready to play, and that electric atmosphere elevated the entire experience.
The run is short, just three weeks, so grab your ticket while you can. Go full of energy, silliness, and a willingness to join the fun, and you’ll have an absolute blast.
Ridiculous, joyful, utterly unnecessary and exactly what we all need this time of year. Fromage at its best.
Bravo, boys!
Review by Bernadette Lintunen
Part TV special, part live variety show, The Christmas Thing transforms the theatre into a chaotic broadcast studio. Audiences are swept into the on-air mischief as the night unfolds with surprise guests, Christmas games, video sketches, music, remote-controlled cameras, drumming robots and plenty of technical hijinks that keep the festive bedlam buzzing.
Writers / Directors / Co-hosts – Tom Clarkson & Owen Visser
Producer – Emma Chisholm
Additional Material – Dan Clarkson
Production Manager – Joe Fathers
Musical Director – Andy Chisholm
Composer – Jack Garratt
Video Designer – Gus Melton
Lighting Designer – Bob Visser
THE CHRISTMAS THING
Seven Dials Playhouse
2 to 20 December 2025
