Zany and Sharp British Comedy Duo to Serve ‘Christmas Tea’ at Robins

WARREN, Ohio – “O Christmas Tea,” an offbeat and acclaimed holiday comedy that has been making its way around the globe, will come to the Robins Theatre on Friday, Dec. 13.

The show was written and performed by London comedy act James and Jamesy, who combine the British sense of propriety with their penchant for the unexpected.

Rich in wordplay, comic physicality and clever interactive elements, “O Christmas Tea” derives its magic from the duo’s imagination and chemistry. According to the show’s press materials, it’s in the vein of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss. The plot, like all James and Jamesy shows, revolves around a tea party.

Audience reaction leans toward wide-eyed wonder and warm feelings, as can be seen in this post-show interview reel.

For over a decade, James and Jamesy – their real names are Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles – have been filling auditoriums with laughter in their tea-themed comedies. The two have won multiple British Impresario awards. “O Christmas Tea” is their flagship production.

“Theater is in its essence an exercise in imagination, a suspension of disbelief,” said Knowles, who plays the eccentric Jamesy character, in a news release. “‘O Christmas Tea’ focuses on, and plays with, this distinction.” 

To James, onstage events are make-believe, and the audience is of the real world. To Jamesy, onstage events are real and the audience doesn’t exist. This vast difference in perspectives dissolves as the play progresses, and audiences find themselves compelled to join the performers in their world of imagination.

“We want adults to leave feeling lighter, more playful and with a deeper connection not only with their immediate companions, but also with the entire audience who shared in the magical experience,” Knowles said.

Malkin underscored that sentiment.

“At this time of year, we’re inspired to dream big and tap into our childlike imagination,” he said. “‘O Christmas Tea’ is a show that brings family and friends together.”

Tickets for the 8 p.m. show range from $64 to $20 and are available at RobinsTheatre.com and the theater box office, 160 E. Market St.

Pictured at top: Audience members join James (Aaron Malkin) and Jamesy (Alistair Knowles) on stage during a performance of “O Christmas Tea.” (Photo by Hintringer Photography)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.