How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? review – have yourself a merry little rumpus

A Theatrical Down the Chimney: 'Santa Go Down the Chimney' Review

In a whimsical production that blends rap, jazz, and folksy Danish tunes, the Told By an Idiot adaptation of Mac Barnett's picture book "How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?" brings the festive spirit to life. Designer Sonya Smullen's set design is a marvel, transforming into a sleigh for Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town with ease.

The show's energy is infectious, with volunteers from the audience cast as Santa's little helpers in various skits, some incorporating puppetry. The cast of four divvy up roles, taking turns suggesting methods while the others act them out, creating an exuberant and unpredictable experience. Sound effects add to the visual spectacle, with Foley-style visuals and even a giant snow boot being lowered from above.

However, not every routine is a hit. A section mimicking a razzle-dazzle gameshow feels tired, while others, such as Santa straddling the photocopier, are pure inspiration. The panto perennial "he's behind you" delivers big laughs, especially when the young audience joins in.

Overall, the show's madcap approach to styles loses some of the picture book's gentler charm, resulting in an inevitable hit-and-miss quality. But for those who enjoy a good laugh and a festive spectacle, this theatrical take on "How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?" is sure to entertain.

The production will be performed at Unicorn Theatre, London, until January 3rd.

omg u have to go watch dis show its sooo much fun i loved da puppetry part and d whole audience participation thingy was just wow they did a great job blending all da different styles together but some parts felt a bit forced like dat one bit where santa is on da photocopier lol anyway its defo worth checking out if u like silly shows

I think what I love about this production is how it brings that sense of chaos and fun to the stage ! The use of volunteers from the audience is genius - it adds this element of unpredictability to the show. And can we talk about that set design? It's like stepping into a winter wonderland . I mean, who wouldn't want to see Santa getting down the chimney in a giant snow boot? The energy in the room must be electric. What do you guys think - would you catch this show or skip it?

OMG I just saw the ad for this show 'Santa Go Down the Chimney' and I'm DYING! The set design sounds like a total dream , all that sleigh and snow and Santa's helpers ️ I need to get tickets ASAP! But yeah, it's cool that they're incorporating different styles like rap and jazz into this production - it's gonna be so unique and fun! The only thing that worries me is if some of the skits fall flat , but overall I'm all about a good laugh and festive vibes So yeah, who's coming with me to Unicorn Theatre?

omg I loved this show!!! The set design was so cool, I wish they had a pic of it, it looked like something out of a cartoon . And the energy of the whole thing was just infectious, everyone was having so much fun on stage and in the audience, even though we were all laughing at some of the skits . I loved how they incorporated puppetry too, my kid loved watching those little puppets . The only thing that bugged me a bit was when it felt like they were trying too hard to be different styles and it just didn't quite work, but overall it was still such a fun show . We ended up going twice in one weekend, I'm planning on buying the merch now .

I went to see 'Santa Go Down the Chimney' with my mates and I gotta say it's a bit of a mixed bag . On one hand, it's super fun and has some really clever jokes and ideas . The set design is pretty mind-blowing and they've done an amazing job incorporating sound effects to create this immersive experience. But on the other hand, some of the skits feel like they're just trying too hard to be different and it comes across as a bit forced .

I love how they've brought in volunteers from the audience to play along with the show, it's like being part of this crazy festive party . But some bits felt like they were just phoning it in and didn't quite land. I'm not sure if you're going to end up laughing or cringing, but overall it's still worth a watch for the sheer energy and creativity on display

I'm not sure why we're still trying to recreate the magic of Christmas in theatrical productions like this. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cute and all, but isn't that just a reflection of our society's constant desire for spectacle over substance? Like, what does it say about us when we can appreciate a good "he's behind you" joke more than the actual message of kindness and generosity that Santa represents?

And have you noticed how this production is just another example of how the arts are getting more commercialized? I mean, the set design is impressive, but isn't that just a result of the increased funding for theater companies coming from wealthy donors who want to see their names in lights? It's all about image and branding at this point.

But hey, if you're going to perform a theatrical adaptation of a children's book, might as well go big or go home, right? And I guess it's not like they're trying to make a statement or anything...