The ever-mischievous Tim Paige – also known for Pop-Up Globe’s Macbeth and Comedy of Errors – will return as Santa in Melbourne, baring more than a little skin and leaving little to the imagination.
We spoke to Kate Yaxley about the show and her role in this very risqué, very funny show.
What can you tell us about your character in A Very Naughty Christmas? How do youget into the mindset for such a playful, cheeky role?
I’d say my character brings the high energy and party girl vibes to the show – she’s happy to be there & easy to work with. In a lot of traditional theatre, you’re often confined to a specific role or type, but what I love about this show is the freedom we have to truly showcase our unique talents. The creative team does an amazing job of shaping the characters around us, which means we get to bring our own wacky and wild ideas to the table. And trust me, they often make it into the final show! The energy in the rehearsal room is absolutely next-level. It’s where the magic really happens.
This is your second year in the Melbourne show. What keeps you coming back to A Very Naughty Christmas?
Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year, so you don’t have to twist my arm to be involved! Christmas tree up and carols in the car from November! They say laughter is the best medicine – so I think A Very Naughty Christmas is the perfect end of year self care treat. I love being a part of making people’s festive season merrier and brighter (and naughtier)!
The show combines comedy, skits, parodied songs, and even burlesque. Which part of the performance do you enjoy the most, and why?
The show always kicks off with a playful sketch behind the set. While we can’t see the audience, the moment you hear that shift—when they realise exactly what kind of show they’ve signed up for—is priceless. It’s a reaction that never fails to energise me and propel me into the show. And because I can’t just pick one moment, another highlight is when I get to sing one of our original songs. It never quite goes where the audience expects.
A Very Naughty Christmas has achieved cult status, especially among audiences who love its irreverent take on the holidays. What do you think makes the show resonate so strongly with audiences?
A Very Naughty Christmas resonates so strongly with audiences because it offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Christmas celebration. It takes everything we love about Christmas—the cheer, the family gatherings, the over-the-top decorations—and flips it on its head. The show’s edgy humour and boldness pushes the boundaries giving people the chance to laugh at what is often a pressure-filled season. It’s that perfect mix of cheekiness, wit and heart that makes the show feel so authentic and relatable, keeping people coming back for more each year.
P.S Let’s be real.. kids can’t come so audiences are already in a good mood which makes for a great show!
You’ve performed in productions like Groundhog Day. How does your experience in more traditional theatre influence your approach to a show like A Very Naughty Christmas?
More traditional theatre, like Groundhog Day, taught me how to build a solid foundation in character and story, and I bring that same discipline into this more playful, off-the-wall production. It’s about blending the structure of classic theatre with the freedom of something more farcical, creating a show that’s both sharp and fun.
The show plays in three cities this year. How do you think Melbourne audiences differ from those in Brisbane and Gold Coast, especially when it comes to adult comedy and festive shows?
This year is the 8th year the show has run in Brisbane and the audiences there are diehards. I performed in Brisbane in both 2021 and 2022, so while Melbourne may be the arts capital, I was nervous about how the crowd would react last year. But let me tell you, Melbourne audiences are wilder than I could have ever imagined! I don’t think they knew what to expect, but they definitely got more than they bargained for! We even had some repeat offenders, attending multiple times throughout the season.
Working alongside talents like Tim Paige, Jordan Twigg, and others, how does the cast’s dynamic influence your performance? Any memorable moments from rehearsals or past shows?
Working alongside these talented performers is a huge part of what makes the show so successful. Each person has their special talent in the show and our dynamic with each other is what brings it all together!
I will never forget the year my solo number was a roller-skate extravaganza. One night a cast member lost control, couldn’t stop the momentum, grabbed the curtain and pulled the whole thing down all whilst rocking gold sequinned booty shorts. The 6 ft 4 man stood exposed for a few numbers before a solution was found. These unscripted moments are always the best.
Alex Woodward, the show’s Co-Creator, describes the cast as bringing “irreverence and fun” to the stage. How would you describe your own approach to comedy in A Very Naughty Christmas?
My approach is don’t overthink it! We aren’t performing in a serious show so I try to make my approach far from serious. Comedy always lies in the truth. So I think just connecting to relatable moments we all experience and embracing the natural absurdities of life is where the humour lies.
Performing in a holiday-themed show that’s for adults only is unique. How do you maintain a balance between humour and festive cheer while keeping it fresh each night?
Honestly, with this type of show no night is EVER the same. Our audience can change the whole trajectory of the show so we often get to flex our improvisation skills. We love a bit of audience participation in A Very Naughty Christmas so we are always on our toes with what may come our way next. I’m usually responsible for selecting audience members which can be harder than you think. You want someone who wants to be involved, but not TOO involved. Some people truly believe they are our next cast member.
With the show being described as a “festive tradition” in Australia, what holiday traditions do you personally look forward to, on or off stage?
It is so hard to narrow my favourite traditions down but the list would include…. locating the best Christmas lights in the neighbourhood, annual Love Actually viewing, rumballs and receiving the chocolate gold coins at the bottom of my Christmas sack from my parents (yes all three siblings in my family around the age of 30 still receive this delight). Most importantly though, spending time with family. We close the show on the 22nd December and I’m on the first flight out the next day to see all my beautiful family in Brisbane.
For fans of comedy, burlesque, and a good laugh, what can they look forward to most in this year’s production of A Very Naughty Christmas?
Expect the unexpected. You will never be able to hear your favourite carols the same ever again. We’ve cranked up the comedy with some fresh, razor-sharp sketches and outrageous numbers that will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt, whilst still sprinkling some of your favourites in! Mark my words – you will be back!
Thanks for your time! Have a great season.
Having fast achieved cult status with its playlist of Christmas classics as you’ve never heard them before, this year the show will play in three cities: in Brisbane atLa Boite, Gold Coast at The Star and Melbourne atAlex Theatre St. Kilda.
All three cities are now on-sale. To book tickets for the hilarious Christmas romp, visit www.averynaughtychristmas.com
A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS 2024
Melbourne, 5-21 December – Alex Theatre St. Kilda
Brisbane, 21 November-18 December – La Boite
Gold Coast, 20-21 December – The Star
