Get Santa!, Royal Court

New play for children from London’s premiere adult venue is a heartwarming hit

by Aleks SierzMonday, 13 December 2010

Seasonal magic: David Sterne in the title role in 'Get Santa!'Manuel Harlan

Incongruence is always interesting, so the news earlier this year that Anthony Neilson, bad-boy author of adult plays such as Penetrator, The Censor and The Wonderful World of Dissocia, was penning a Christmas play — suitable for kids — at the Royal Court came as something of a delightful surprise. It was also clearly a chance to make amends for The Lying Kind, his 2002 seasonal venture at this address, which received what are politely called mixed reviews. This time, it's good to be able to report that his new festive comedy, which opened last night amid gales of laughter, proves that he has returned to top form.

Here, fart jokes alternate with enchantment, and warm desires heat up the chilly depths of youthful depression

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