By Olivia Plumtree
Anyone expecting a romp through a Christmas classic from Joshua Coley’s new show at The Turbine is in for a ride. Before you invite Granny along, I’d note the ‘A Very Adult Pantomime’ subtitle. There’s a sprightly Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King replaced by an Andrew Tate-endorsing love rat and a very literal Nutcracker. Think Tchaikovsky with knobs on (or off, as the case may be).
To put it lightly, the protagonist Carly has had a tough year. After receiving an unusual gift from her inappropriate uncle, Carly wreaks revenge on her wastrel ex, meets an array of fabulous new friends and manages to have a happy Christmas after all.
The Nutcracker has all the ingredients of a traditional panto. There’s the stock messy scene, less than enthusiastic audience participation and a raucous rendition of the song of the year (Kylie’s Padam Padam, if you’re wondering). The cast were brilliant and had tangible chemistry. Theo Walker’s chameleon-like flitting between characters was a particular joy.
Something tells me subtlety wouldn’t be something favoured by The Nutcracker’s audience
Nuance is rather lacking in the delivery of punchlines but something tells me subtlety wouldn’t be something favoured by The Nutcracker’s audience. The script was light on the derisive political snubs usually found in pantomime, but we get enough of that in the real world. Instead, references to Just Stop Oil protests, the Roman Empire and Gen-Z snowflakes were left to carry the zeitgeist.
Eschewing consumerism in favour of camp, The Nutcracker is a welcome reprieve from the sickly-sweet aftertaste left by many feel-good festivities. It was a hearty reminder that sometimes it is just more fun to be naughty, not nice.
• The Nutcracker plays at The Turbine until 23 December 2023
