Prepare to be offended! WA premiere of "very wrong" reindeer comedy

Prepare to be offended – and see Santa’s reindeer like you’ve never seen them before. Groovy Boots Theatre is presenting the WA premiere of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den in the lead-up to Christmas: a darkly comic tale of corruption, abuse and deviancy implicating the smallest elf right up to the jolly fat man himself. Written by Jeff Goode, this professional production of his critically-acclaimed work is described as “as all kinds of wrong” and definitely NOT for children. A scandal erupts at the North Pole and each reindeer delivers clever, humorous and confronting monologues, dishing the real dirt on Santa’s perversions, Rudolph’s mental health, Vixen’s sexual harassment allegations and why Dancer no longer dances. Directors Phil Barnett and Chris Thomas said not to expect happy little elves and cute smiling reindeer this Christmas. “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is completely mad – dark, bizarre and humorous at the same time,” Barnett said. “Each of the reindeer, except the troubled Rudolph, give their insights into Santa Claus with some defending him but others revealing his alleged lewd behaviour. “They all have definitive personalities, whether they’re openly gay, drunk and Scottish, a rampant feminist or an acting prima donna.” Thomas added: “It’s an absurd satire with plenty of references to pop culture, show business, gossip-hungry media and the continuing over-commercialisation of the festive season.” The cast features Michael Dornan (Dasher), Chris Thomas (Cupid), Alex Jones (Hollywood), Gemma Jones (Blitzen), Adam Shuttleworth (Comet), Maree Grayden (Dancer), Murray Jackson (Donner) and Julia Dalby (Vixen). The Eight: Reindeer Monologues plays at 8pm, November 28, December 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 7pm, December 2, 9 and 16. Tickets are $25, $20 concession plus booking and transaction fees – book through TAZ Tix on 9255 3336 or www.TAZTix.com.au. Please note: this show is strictly an adults-only event. Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den is located upstairs in the Brisbane Hotel, 292 Beaufort Street, Highgate.