WHAT happens when you take three dysfunctional married couples, throw them in with five children and have them bunk down in the same room to celebrate Christmas?
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The answer is the new production by the Newcastle Theatre Company, called Season's Greetings.
The play by Alan Ayckbourn is about a family Christmas you hope you never have.
Director Howard Rawlinson said many people could relate to the characters in the show.
"You have these couples that are 'happily' together but can be bickering and bitchy towards one another in public. We also have a character called Uncle Harvey, who is ex-army and a retired security guard. He also happens to be a bigot and a racist whom everyone dislikes," Rawlinson said.
There were also little black moments littered throughout the comedy that would surprise people.
Season's Greetings stars Alex Jacobs, Sandra Monk, Tracy Ebbetts, Brian Randell, Michael Smythe, Patrick Campbell, Heidi Bush, Ben Martin and Pearl Nunn.
■ Season's Greetings is on at Newcastle Theatre Company, 90 De Vitre Street, Lambton, from December 6-20. Shows on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday nights are at 8pm, with the Sunday, December 7, matinee at 2pm and the Saturday, December 13, matinee at 2pm. Tickets are $22 for concession and $28 for full price. Phone 4952 4958 for more details.
