Brisbane review - Christmas Actually: performance of non-stop highlights.

By David Wilson

Christmas Actually

Presented by The Little Red Company 

Featuring Naomi Price, Luke Kennedy, Tom Oliver, Irena Lysiuk and an out-of-this-world live band 

https://www.thelittleredcompany.com/christmas-actually 

https://brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/christmas-actually/ 

Now playing at Brisbane Powerhouse

Also touring to select regional locations 

Tickets on sale now starting at $79

The Little Red Company’s Christmas Actually has arrived in Brisbane on a wave of acclaim after a massive Sydney Opera House season, and it is abundantly clear why this show remains in such extraordinary demand eight years on. This is genuinely hilarious, relentlessly high-energy entertainment, delivering not only nostalgia but also an experience made entirely relevant for 2025. It really is a two and a half hour : performance of non-stop highlights. 

Paying homage to the 2003 film Love Actually, the show affectionately sends up the much-loved movie while joyfully injecting it with contemporary comedy, audience interaction and astonishing musicality. The audience interaction throughout was brilliantly done – cheeky, sharp and perfectly judged – creating a collective experience that felt spontaneous, electric and completely alive.  Even their take on the legendary Christmas Carols in the Domain was not only hilarious, but also showcased just how incredibly talented these individual artists are.

Naomi Price is at the absolute top of her game. This is, without question, the Naomi Price show, and she commands the stage with extraordinary confidence, charisma and vocal firepower. Her ability to turn on a dime between outrageous comedy, razor-sharp storytelling and moving, powerhouse vocals is a masterclass in performance. While it is undoubtedly her vehicle, she shares the stage with some of Australia’s absolute best performers. Luke Kennedy, Tom Oliver and the incredible Irena Lysiuk are each stars in their own right, and their combination with Price is pure entertainment gold. Kennedy’s suave musical precision and charisma are wonderful to watch, Oliver’s abundant stage presence and comedic timing are effortlessly assured, and Lysiuk’s vocal performance is incredible. While the spotlight may rest with Price, the combined talent of Kennedy, Oliver, Lysiuk and the amazing band is simply undeniable.  Speaking of the band – they are out of this world. The musicians really drive the entire experience with astonishing energy, versatility and polish, lifting every number to another level. With songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles at their disposal, the band is thankfully given full license to rock the Powerhouse!

You would be hard pressed to find better entertainment - and judging by the enthusiastic standing ovation on opening night, it is no surprise that this show is still in such demand after eight years, and its appeal shows absolutely no sign of abating.  While the show is perfect for those of us with a soft spot for the film, there is no doubt that those unfamiliar would also love every minute of this high quality production.

This is entertainment at its best – bold, outrageous, musically brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny. You really would need a very good excuse not to get along and see this show.