Jingle Bellethon Telethon is very funny slapstick comedy and that is important in an Annual Basement Xmas Show. We want belly-laughs and risqué zingers. And cringe comedy in buckets.
Or in the bucket as this is the comedy version of the most cringeworthy pieces of television ever foisted on the New Zealand public, the Telethons.
Until Shortland Street came along (apologies to James Griffin).
The two at the crown of creation are Janaye Henry and Bea Gladding. They wrote the script, directed and played roles in the production.
Gladding hates Christmas says the programme. So do I, I say putting on my Grinch hat.
The time of year when the most money is made, and not just by retail. Also, in the essential industries like healthcare.
I was a police doctor for many years. There is an escalation of depression, suicide, family violence, alcohol-fuelled minor and major misdemeanours and misery for many.
The boil may feel lanced on the actual day. Then the aftermath of debts and regrets come slouching around and the final payment is Faustian.
We gotta dance to keep from crying. And laugh.
This is the first all-Māori and Pacific Island led production of the Christmas show. And a little help from their friends. Sananda Chatterjee is the producer.
It is a show within a show. When the audience is all seated, we find ourselves as playing the part of the audience in a live TV show.
The Floor Manager (Batanai Mashingaidze) directs the crew and directs us. Personal conflicts between the crew drive the narrative.
The Manager is the partner of the Soundie (Janaye Henry). Their fractious relationship intrudes to embarrass their work colleagues.
This is The Office, the brilliant Ricky Gervais original series, but expanded as a farce. Incidentally, the Office Christmas Special is classic British television comedy.
Jake Arona and Talia-Rae Mavaega are the celebrity hosts. Egos need to be massaged.
The nominal purpose of the telethon is towards a children’s cause, to stop them leaving for Australia. They hit the current topical sensitive nerve.
They all play multiple roles.
Henry is riotous as stand-up comic Peter Cruise. Says he is a cruise ship performer. Quite inappropriate and creepy in his sleazy manner. The fake moustache needs to be held on. There is the ghost of Billy T. James lurking.
Jaackie Black doubles as Health and Safety (irritating as you would expect) and a mysterious hooded magician.
A highlight is Riah Karaoke (Brady Peeti). A transgender Māori woman who is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts.
A big presence and a big voice. Great comedy timing and channels the manner of an entitled diva.
Her featured song is magnificent. If my memory serves me, it was O Holy Night. Or something very similar. The audience give a big cheer.
They all link arms to sing Thank you very much for your kind donation. A parody and sincere, simultaneously.
Sean Rivera is the all-purpose musician and silent (mostly) gag man. He looks like Herve Villechaize from another awful Seventies TV show Fantasy Island.
The performers are loose but tight. In the same sense the Rolling Stones are.
The show is well-choreographed. They move at pace and there are seldom any quiet moments.
Times when they act in super slow-motion is superb comedy.
Jingle Bellethon Telethon gives us the tension-breaking broad gesture comedy we can all do with at Christmas.
Rev. Orange Peel
Season ends 22 December 2023