By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of Johnny Frazer
It’s December in Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, and that can only mean one thing: Grimes and McKee’s annual Christmas romp. Always good news for those with their fingers firmly on the pulse of micro and macro politics, current events and ready for a night of ad-lib fun and merriment.
Not so this year, though. Grimes and McKee instead offer us a wholly scripted show which may come to the bafflement of some readers as the comedic duo usually rely on their impromptu jokes, written-that-day gags – depending on what’s happened that day – and other little nuances that can only come from a very loosely scripted show.
*Alan McKee, Conor Grimes and Ali White*
The premise behind Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas is antique dealer Toby Darkwood (Alan McKee) returning from London to spend time with his elderly and somewhat wilting aunt. In tow is his celebrity psychic fiancé, Nancy Nugent (Ali White), who plans a live-screen from Darkwood’s haunted mansion. Question is, can the psychic handle the drama that unfolds?
There’s more at foot here too, not only does this show dip its toe in the gothic of Halloween, the rest of the foot into Christmas, but there’s an Agatha Christie feel to the narrative as well as Toby’s antics are not just with antiques and the other worldly. It’s Christmas time and he can’t seem too eager to get his hands on his inheritance, but McKillop and Ciara are on to him.
*Alan McKee as Toby Darkwood and Ali White as Nancy Nugent*
As to be expected Conor Grimes plays the downtrodden family caretaker Killop. McKee makes the snowballs and Grimes happily throws them. Frankie McIlvenna is omnipresent on the keys, guitar and saxophone, and delivers everything from mood music and big time hits as the story meanders its way along at a decent pace. If the audience is to get a little bit lost with the plot, not to worry, as with almost every Grimes and McKee performance, another side-splitter is only a minute away.
*Nicky Harley as Ciara the home help*
As the tale unfolds with equally humorous and at times confusing plot turn, time travel and flashbacks, one thing that can’t be argued is that when Grimes and McKee are in the writing of the show, they must’ve had a good laugh. Toby on regaling on his ancestors – “The Darkwoods have been here since the Norman conquest you know!” – gusto during the Cromwellian invasion, Grimes pops in with, “Aye, even Oliver Cromwell thought they were a bit much.” All these little laughs guarantee a lively night of theatre.
On the whole does Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas work? Yes and no. Ultimately people come to see Grimes, McKee and company knowing there’ll be topical – as in, from that day’s news – banter. This approach with its tight script leaves little room for such ad-libbing. But, there is a quality show in here. I think with a bit of reworking, the cast along with director Frankie McCafferty can iron out the few creases that are stopping this from being a real Christmas cracker.
Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas runs up to and including January 6th, 2024
For booking details visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or simply ring the box office on 02890 381081
ENDS
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