Showing @ The Arches, Glasgow, until Sun 28 Dec @ 19:30

What is the true meaning of Christmas? John Lewis would have you believe it’s giving someone the Christmas (present) they’ve been dreaming of, while M&S encourage you to follow the fairies and buy some clothes. If you scrape off the commercialism, there’s a common thread that tells us Christmas time is about people we love and care about and celebrating that. Gary McNair’s War on Christmas takes that a step further and asks why we don’t just celebrate all the time, abandoning December traditions altogether.

When super Santa Barry (Brian James) is allocated a slot in a dingy Asda (instead of the preferred Waitrose) he embarks on his annual journey to share seasonal joy. A whole host of visitors to his grotty Grotto force him – in Scrooge-esque style – to think about his own past, others less fortunate in present times, and how we can make a better future for everyone.

Audience participation, multi-role play and a myriad of musical numbers makes for a fun and festive feast. McNair and James are a dynamic duo, satirising Christmas convention and offering a left-leaning, socially democratic alternative. Their reworking of Tupac’s Changes kicks off at apathy: that might be just the way it is and some things might never change, but there’s a much better chance of success if you try than if don’t. McNair hammers home the point – then hammers some more – but you forgive the mischievous elf for his frustration with societal norms and his deep-rooted hope and belief in change. We’re locked in a commercial calendar of holidays, presents, over-eating and under-appreciating. It’s a good ‘un for the grown-ups (not very child friendly) and will guarantee laughs. The reality is that some people can’t afford the Christmas that adverts tell us to aspire to, some kids will still want Xboxes and others will want for nothing. Dare to wage war on the consumer culture and who knows? You might just enjoy it.

Gary McNair: War On Christmas – Trailer from The Arches on Vimeo.