Crimes Against Christmas at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review
Crimes Against Christmas
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
9-31 December 2016
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
If I am completely honest I wasn’t quite sure what to expect… the bit I had read seemed a little strange “Think Agatha Christie meets 12 Days of Christmas meets 39 Steps” seemed a little bit unusual (at least) and with the added layer of “comedy thriller”. So off I went along to this little gem of a theatre where the show was in the “snug” as it is affectionately known. This was my first visit to the theatre, and I am certain it won’t be my last. The Snug is settled in the back of the large theatre (I presume) and has raised seating in a semi-circle around a small performance area, offering an intimate showing. The staging was kept minimal at the start with just a black curtained wall and an old wooden table in the middle of the flooring area, which for someone who is used to going to larger productions found a little underwhelming; although this certainly was not the case as soon as the play started.
There were 4 characters, playing the 12 Days of Christmas characters with a steady stream of deaths. Although if I am completely honest, I would have liked more deaths in the first half of the performance as majority of the first half was scene setting but having read the programme and synopsis I had got the feeling for this. This is not a criticism at all, but for me I wanted more of the “thrill” of guessing who the murder was. I can’t talk too much about the story except in my eyes it’s got an essence of “Deaths in Paradise” (TV programme) humour and takes simplistic theatre to a new level.
The black curtain was used as a sail for a boat, and transformed into revolving doors and along with the “humour in the acting” and with the old table used as a cover up for a murder, a boat and a table this was a simple stage setting but one that engaged with the audience. I don’t think there was one person who did not laugh at least 100 times in the evening!
The best bit for me – although I guessed who the murderer was, there was always an element of uncertainty which meant I was enthralled to the end (much like a thriller book) to see if I was right.
For me the 4 actors were all brilliant, and I enjoyed watching 3 of them transform themselves into various characters in a blink of an eye! This was brilliant planning and time keeping as this was crucial for the play to continue.
As explained previously I was unsure on what to expect, 4 actors (who were unknown to me), with 2 of them writing the script, with a “mix and match” storyline but this was a mighty success. In my opinion a standing ovation performance which was true to the art of drama and creative writing (good quality).
This show and performers are supported by Lottery Funding (I believe), and to me this is why lottery funding is so important. We are able to see a truly remarkable play, without all the “gimmicks, lighting and staging” and watch a play of incredible standard from script to acting. This is the shows I like to see – ones that you are engaged with from the start to finish and The “Snug” as the perfect setting and provided a “personal” play.
Overall I would give this 5 out of 5! And I would recommend that everyone go and see it (it does have allot of adult humour so I wouldn’t take younger children, or ones that you would need to explain the jokes to!) before it tours as I think the innocence of the play and script is perfect for this theatre.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost £20 (booking fees may apply).
Crimes Against Christmas is at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre until 31 December 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01543 412121.
Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR | 01543 412121
