AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review.
TW: References to drug use, sex and grief.
"Does Christmas spirit need a toilet break"
Deck The Stalls, written by Lydia Kavanagh and directed by Chloe Cattin, is a 60-minute play that takes audiences into the chaos of an office Christmas party, exploring the colourful personalities of work colleagues through Serena’s sharp and witty observations, and is performed by Laura Rea as Serena.
Recommended for audiences aged 16 and over due to adult themes, including references to sex, drug use, and grief, Deck the Stalls is performed monologue-style, with Rea effortlessly narrating and embodying each colleague. Using distinctive accents and exaggerated character traits, Serena (Laura Rea) introduces us to characters such as "DJ Dave," whose unpolished South London accent suggests a lack of education, and "Ellen," a morally vegan hummus enthusiast. While the stereotyping leans heavily into clichés, it adds a cheeky charm that resonates with anyone familiar with workplace dynamics.
Beneath the comedy, however, lies a deeper layer. Rea performs Serena's candid moments about her own struggles, particularly the heart-wrenching loss of her father, bringing an unexpected emotional depth to the story. Writer Kavanagh writes tender twists which provide a balance to the play’s humour, showing how the masks people wear at work often slip during the uninhibited chaos of a party.
Kavanagh's humour relies heavily on swearing and playful banter, sometimes at the expense of sharper, more original jokes. Yet, the relatability of the scenarios—awkward small talk, bad music, peer pressure, and clashing personalities—makes it an enjoyable watch for anyone who has endured the quirks of a staff party.
With a little less reliance on stereotypes and more nuanced humour, this play has the potential to become an absolute gem. Still, Rea’s performance is undeniably the highlight, as she delivers every line with impeccable timing and charisma.
Hats off to Rea and the creative team for crafting a cheeky, heartfelt look at love, loss, and the oddities of a workplace. If nothing else, it serves as a hilarious reminder to keep the mulled wine intake in check at the next staff do!
★★★.5
Deck the Stalls is running at Riverside Studios from December 18th to 22th
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