The First XXXmas:
A Very Naughty-tivity

“If The First XXXmas really is the last Duncan Hallis Production show, Polly and company are definitely bowing out on a high.”

“…serious and heartfelt, with moments of beauty among the debauchery.”

“But don’t expect an offensive spoof of Christianity’s greatest story! This is something deeper…”

★★★★★
— Chris Williams, Buzz

“Where those Christmas shows excel is in their interweaving of political satire with outrageously hot fun, but the more serious moments were just as visually striking, as well as hard-hitting.”

“…a good reminder that drag is inherently political as it has been used for decades as a radical act to further the social justice movement. And that is what this performance does too.”

“this is a beautiful, unforgettable night.”

★★★★
— Kaja Brown,
The Welsh Agenda

“Overall, the First XXXmas had the potential to become an attack on religion but instead carefully played with the story to create a politically powerful and entertaining production.”

★★★★★
— Rhys Payne,
Get The Chance

“head-turning cabaret packed with aerial stunts, circus skills, burlesque, a touch of music-hall and a healthy dollop of drag which surprises, captivates and shocks our senses in a way you may not expect.”

“The shock factor is that this is far more than a burlesque cabaret. Yes, there’s strong language, sexual references, and further risqué moments, but there are also scenes reflecting on war, genocide, self-harm, suicide, homophobia, racism and xenophobia. This is art looking into the world we live in a very creative way rather than delivering cheap laughs with forgettable gimmicks. How Christmastime can impact on those feeling loneliness, alienation, hurt or getting caught up in greed and commercialism comes through loud and clear in a variety of songs, sketches and stunts.”

“beautifully retains a deep Christmas message while giving us some hope for the future.”

—Andy Howells, Ents South Wales

“The result is something rather spectacular, a show that somehow represents the true nature of cabaret with deep meanings embodied into every aspect of the production. Huge political topics are embedded in its storytelling.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Kay,
Theatre and Tonic

“a chance for every queer kid to finally see the Nativity that they wanted to act out at school.”

“honestly, it feels far more authentic delivered by a drag queen in a queer cabaret than the message of Christmas often does elsewhere.”

“a gloriously camp and joyful affair with an impactful undercurrent of seriousness and a uplifting festive message of hope.”

“this is a fun, glittery and heartfelt affair that speaks to Cardiff’s queer community. And, really, what’s more Christmassy than that?”

★★★★
— Emily Garside,
The Queer Review