Unicorn Theatre – until 3 January 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Told By An Idiot bring their magical mischievous charm to Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s tongue in cheek book asking the big question about the most successful housebreaker in history. Each suggestion raised by the book is demonstrated and expanded on with the flair and charm we have come to expect from Told By An Idiot.
Sonya Smullen’s simple but evocative design (I think every member of the audience, no matter their age, wished they could slide down those rooftops!) provides props and routes for chaotic Santa parkour, chases and dancing, while two simple mic stands either side allow the cast to narrate and provide musical accompaniment and sound effects.
Paul Hunter directs the brilliant cast (Guilia Innocenti, Nathan Queeley-Dennis, Frida Cæcilia Rødbroe and Mikey Ureta) through a parade of Santa contortions, reindeer rebellions (bringing the not-so-subtle facial expressions of the illustrated reindeer to anarchic life), and extended riffs on finding the key under a flowerpot and a gloriously daft dog chase. Mikey Ureta’s energetic choreography and Frida Cæcilia Rødbroe’s delightful sound design are full of impish humour that delights the entire audience. There’s even a Danish singalong!
Audience participation is a must at Christmas, and this cast ensure that the children (and a few lucky adults) feel part of the story, from searches among the rows of seats to children being called up to help Santa get down the chimney. A beautiful moment has a child fixing the power to turn on the Christmas tree lights for the finale. The show is pitched perfectly, with visual jokes and nonsense that appeal to young and old.
How Does Santa Get Down The Chimney? is an endearingly unconventional show that embraces impish Scandinavian drollery, old school English eccentricity and childlike joy. Grab tickets for this charming Christmas fun and get your family to the Unicorn Theatre faster than Santa gets down a chimney.