Little Miss Christmas starring Patti Boo Rae

You know, sometimes you get lucky and catch something special just at the right moment when you didn’t realise you needed it. That’s what happened to me the other day when I got invited to go see Alphabetti Theatre’s new seasonal offering “Little Miss Christmas” starring local drag queen Patti Boo Rae. This one woman show takes the form of the eponymous festive pageant Little Miss Christmas which Texas-born Patti has won the last three years in a row (mostly because she’s been the only entrant).

Over the course of the show we get to see her blaze unopposed through the competition with comedy, live singing, lipsync, costume changes, and video footage giving us insight into her illustrious career so far. But what would happen if there was actually a late entrant into the pageant to actually challenge her?

Honestly I adored this show and the only way it can be described is sensational. The snug, cosy atmosphere of Alphabetti Theatre, coupled with superb sound & visuals and honed technical production gave the perfect framing to an incredibly talented performer in Patti Boo Rae. Not a moment was wasted in the runtime with us entertained by Patti either live or in often brilliant pre-recorded video sections.

The script was flawless, the jokes were hilarious, and the audience interaction was excellent; but the thing that wowed me most was just how good her live singing was. There was a shared moment between myself and other members of the audience during the first performance where we had fully expected a drag-typical lipsync, only to realise after the first few words that this was both live and ovation worthy. I can’t think of many local drag performers that can pull off a touching rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas or Mariah Carey’s hit-that-shall-not-be-named with such a strength and confidence.

Not to spoil the fun but when we saw the show, Patti’s rival was played by local drag king Vick the Prick, who was filling in for the night and managed to get the whole audience up and involved in their attempt to dethrone Little Miss Christmas. Vick is always a joy to watch as everything is dialled up to 11 and it’s hard to take your eyes off them.

Now this may all sound like just another silly, irreverent, fun night out (and in Newcastle we’re hardly starved for talented drag performers and live shows) but there was one aspect to this production that I hadn’t been expecting: It actually made me feel Christmassy.

You see, Little Miss Christmas isn’t just the journey of Patti in another Xmas pageant, it’s also her journey of remembering why she started entering the competition in the first place and honestly, it was very touching.

So if you’re looking for something fun to do in Newcastle over the next week to make you laugh and get you back into the Christmas spirit, grab some friends and tickets to see Little Miss Christmas at Alphabetti Theatre.
Tickets are available from £15 to £3 and the show runs until Saturday the 21st of December.

For more information and to book tickets, check out Little Miss Christmas at Alphabetti Theatre.