Stir Q&A: Artists of O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy sound off on the holidays
Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles, aka James and Jamesy respectively, aim to reignite people’s imaginations through slapstick, word play, and more
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy.
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy runs on December 28 at 3 and 7:30 pm at Michael J Fox Theatre, Burnaby; December 29 at 3 and 7:30 pm at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey; and December 30 at 3 and 7 pm at Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver
WHAT’S SO FUNNY about the holidays? Pretty much everything, according to Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles, aka James and Jamesy respectively, the touring comedic duo behind O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy. The two have performed their seasonal show far and wide to critical acclaim, with several upcoming performances in Metro Vancouver.
Here’s the set-up of the pair’s hit production: To James, on-stage events are imaginary, and the audience is of the real world. To Jamesy, on-stage events are real, and the audience doesn’t exist. The difference in perspectives dissolves as the play progresses. It’s all to reignite the imaginations of audiences of all ages through slapstick, word play, and theatricality.
Stir connected with the pair to find out more.
Brits are famous for their sense of humour. Where do you suppose the culture’s knack for laughs comes from?
AM: Keep calm and carry on. Attempting to live by this motto in the face of the many ridiculous and absurd elements that life throws at us is a prime recipe for comedy.
What’s the backstory to O Christmas Tea?
AK: Each and every week James heads over to Jamesy’s flat for tea. At these tea parties seemingly inconsequential events rapidly escalate in proportion, and the distinction between audience and performers blurs until everyone becomes part of the tea party.
Amid the hilarity, does the show carry any more serious messages or themes?
AK: Yes! Personal growth is possible when we trust those we love.
Press material about the show emphasizes how it reignites people’s imaginations. How so? And why is this so important in the here and now?
AK: Imagination is a skill that everyone has, but is dormant for many people. We strive to awaken this imagination. The show sets out to explore two perspectives: one being that everything onstage is ‘real’, and the other being that everything on stage is ‘pretend’. When both can be accepted simultaneously as being true, imagination can take flight!
And now for something completely different:
- Brexit or EU?
AK: Too soon. Too soon!
- Harry and Meghan or William and Kate?
AK: I think the duality between the couples is in a way emblematic of the duality between James and Jamesy. One couple lives within the confines of the castle, the other outside it. It’s not that I prefer one or the other, but that there is value in both. I find it most unfortunate that there can’t be more room for a middle ground.
- Earl Grey or English Breakfast?
AK: We drink coffee on tour… Many cups a day.
- Shortbread or Christmas cake?
AK: Butter and sugar. Who needs other ingredients? Shortbread all the way.
- Turkey or Tofurky?
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