The old adage suggests that history is written by the victors. I propose it not be written at all, and instead performed on stage by some of the most talented improvisors in Wellington City.

A Very PopRox Christmas is, structurally, an improvised re-telling of the Nativity. Right from the get-go, we’re informed (correctly) that the show we are about to see is as accurate as anything else written about this event that happened over two thousand years ago, setting the tone for the rest of the show.

Minor details are changed from the original story, based on audience suggestions, which lead to further diversions until entire side stories that you’d never find in the Bible are revealed. King Herod, for example, directs his ire at the humble sock in lieu of the historically agreed upon ‘boys under two’ demographic. Joseph’s insecurity about being a new father give him depth that the New Testament would never. We know what the deal is, we’ve heard this story a hundred times before, but what PopRox is doing here is nailing the tone and absurdity that the Nativity surely must have been filled with.

Each of the performers are at the top of their game here. Jed Davies as the Lord Almighty delivers a heightened authority figure who expertly edits scenes and keeps the narrative rolling strong. No scene is allowed to peter out under his watch. Tara McEntee’s deadpan Mary dances gleefully between eliciting sympathy for the grand task she has been given and bewilderment at her husband’s incompetence. She always has a sharp response and isn’t afraid to jab her husband with it. Speaking of, Dylan Hutton’s Joseph is an instant hit with the audience, a fluffy ball of wholesomeness that we both want to protect and push him to realise his true potential. It’s the unbreakable smile for me.

Jonny Paul’s character work is incredible tonight, stealing scenes and allowing them to be stolen from him when need be. The former is a good improv skill, the latter, a great one. Nina Hogg plays to her strengths, constantly making bold offers, going as far as ripping off her clothing without much thought. The response to such offers is always positive, a testament to the trust she has in her fellow players, and the trust they have in her. Rounding out the players is Millie Osbourne, who bursts onto the stage with her signature support style of improv, taking offers made to her and putting her own bubbly twist on them. She is the quintissential optimism-by-default performer and it’s impossible to not smile when she’s playing.

Isaac Thomas sits on the hay bales in the corner, quietly plucking away at his guitar strings and our hearts, even getting in a song to inspire Joseph. In every other scene, he is a constant presence, underpinning every emotion with the vibes it needs to really sing. Finally, Darryn Woods takes lighting duty where he weaves beautifully coloured backdrops that reflect the ever-changing moods of the characters.

All of the mahi these performers put in results in a show that is hilarious, engaging and leaves you wanting so much more. At certain points of the show, games are introduced, reminiscent of PopRox’s more traditional fare. It’s just such a clever way of bringing the audience back in amongst a series of scenes, and resets the pace to the point where the show ended and I couldn’t believe it had already been an hour. Most audience members agreed that the Wise Men were a highlight, and since they only appeared in one scene, they were sorely missed for the remainder of the show.

And that’s what makes A Very PopRox Christmas so very… PopRox. They understand not only the strengths of their games, but also how to curb their weaknesses. The games serve a purpose and don’t linger long enough to get stale. Same for the scenes. I can not think of a single dull moment in the show; each performer was raring to go when they were needed and ready to end a scene on the right punchlines. They’re an impeccably well-oiled improv machine that thrives on slickness.

The result? An incredible story that will be different tomorrow night, the night after, and the night after that. Just like every translation, re-translation and re-interpretation of the original Nativity. Even the Bible has two different versions. So forget everything you know, head to BATS theatre this week and witness history being re-written. Church is open.

_{A Very PopRox Christmas is running from 12th December 2023 to 16th December 2023. Tickets on sale from the BATS website.}

Disclosure: As a somewhat active member of the Wellington improv community, I am quite familiar with some of the performers in this show.
Having said that, I am not a liar, and there is zero bias in my reviews, shut up.

Also, tickets were provided to me for free by PopRox. Literally changes nothing, though.