Festive, Filthy, and Fearless: Anthony Craig on A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS

There’s nothing saintly about Brisbane’s favourite festive tradition, and that’s exactly why audiences keep coming back.

A Very Naughty Christmas returns to Twelfth Night Theatre with all the glitter, grit and grown-up giggles that have made it Australia’s longest-running adults-only Christmas show. Equal parts comedy concert, cabaret chaos and candy-cane thirst trap, the production has carved out its own unapologetically cheeky corner of the holiday season — redecorating December with innuendo, belting vocals and the kind of chaotic energy that feels suspiciously like the office party everyone actually wants to attend.

Amid the carol-corrupting mischief and peppermint-spiked pop numbers is a cast of eight fearless performers, including Anthony Craig, who joins Santa’s naughtiest crew for this year’s gloriously un-holy romp.

Anthony is an award-winning children’s music composer, actor, and multi-instrumentalist. After graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2014, he went on to gain international experience across stage, feature films and theatre. Some of his recent stage credits include The Play That Goes Wrong, Elvis: A Musical Revolution, Once, The Grinning Man, and Into The Woods.

Can you tell me a bit about your background as a performer?

Anthony: I’ve been acting for the past 10 years in various musicals, plays and films around Australia.  I’ve loved being a part of so many different productions, but every year I look forward to Naughty Christmas! It’s so fun to be a part of this chaotic Christmas tradition, and as a tall gangly man, I never thought I’d be cast as Santa’s little Elf.

What first attracted you to A Very Naughty Christmas?

Anthony: I first saw this show a few years back and instantly knew I wanted to be in it! I was blown away by the talent on stage and the clever writing of the show. If you like Christmas, cabaret, killer voices, killer bods, and more gags than you can throw a reindeer at, then come see it! No two performances are the same!

This show blends comedy, cabaret, music, and some very cheeky surprises. Which part of that mix is the biggest thrill for you as a performer?

Anthony: Cheeky surprises indeed! Without spoiling it I will say there’s not much more thrilling than feelin’ the breeze on your booty while performing nude in front of hundreds of people.

Without giving away spoilers, do you have a favourite number or moment that you’re performing this season?

Anthony: They’re letting me play the banjo this year! THEY’RE LETTING ME PLAY THE BANJO!!! I’ll leave it your imagination to guess what I do with the banjo… You’ll just have to come and see.

The show prides itself on being “absolutely not appropriate for mum.” What’s the line you’ve had the most fun delivering?

Anthony: Don’t bring your Mum unless you want to explain to her what things like edging, pegging, and squirting mean. Nah just kidding your mum already knows what they are. Mums love this show! Funnily enough my Mum did see the show last year… and she’s still speaking to me! Great success!  But it’s not often you get to deliver lines in front of your Ma like: “Santa! There’s four penis pumps on the way!”

How does the cast build the kind of trust you need for a production that’s this exposed — emotionally and physically?

Anthony: We certainly have to build a lot of trust in this show because our dignity is literally held in each other’s hands! Thankfully this wild show has an incredibly talented cast and creative team, making sure that everyone feels comfortable at every crazy moment! We have to practice everything a heap because one little slip up means the audience might catch a glimpse of our Christmas baubles and see Santa’s South Pole.

The show runs with a live band and a tight ensemble of eight performers. What’s something audiences might not realise about how much work goes on behind the scenes?

Anthony: The vocal arrangements are so beautiful and complex! It’s taken a heap of practice, but our Musical Director Tom Collins’ arrangements really pushed us to the best of our ability’s this year.  We’re gonna be belting some harmonies at you that will melt ya face off.

What do you hope first-time audience members walk away saying after seeing this year’s production?

“Can’t wait to see that again next year! …Might not bring grandma next time.”

If you could create your own cheeky Christmas tradition for audiences, what would it be?

Anthony: An Egg Nog Christmas drinking game. Sounds like messy fun! I don’t even like Egg Nog but gosh it’s fun to say. “Egg Nog”. Anyway, come to Naughty Christmas and see what cheeky Christmas stuff we get up to! (Please don’t BYO Egg Nog)

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A Very Naughty Christmas is playing until December 21st at the Twelfth Night Theatre.

For tickets and more information, visit www.averynaughtychristmas.com