The age-old question of Santa's chimney technique gets a wonderfully bizarre theatrical treatment this Christmas at London's Unicorn Theatre. Told By An Idiot, renowned for their theatrical randomness, presents their adaptation of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen's picture book How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, running from 29 November 2025 to 3 January 2026.
A Glorious Non-Sequitur
Adapted and directed by company leader Paul Hunter, this 50-minute production delights in its refusal to provide straightforward answers. Instead, it revels in a series of absurd vignettes that will appeal to anyone with a well-developed sense of nonsense. The central question of Santa's delivery method is posed repeatedly throughout the show, yet the production cleverly avoids ever giving a conclusive answer.
A versatile cast of five performers chop and change between roles, portraying Santa, his reindeer, and various other characters. They multitask their way through sequences that interrogate pressing festive questions, such as whether Santa does his laundry mid-delivery to remove chimney soot and what dogs truly think of the jolly gift-giver.
Audience Interaction and Whimsical Design
One particularly persistent question the show tackles is how Santa gains entry to flats without chimneys. While it never properly answers this conundrum, it does feature an entertaining game show sequence where the audience suggests solutions that the cast then attempts to act out.
The performance unfolds on a delightful Sonya Smullen set that captures the po-faced surrealism of Jon Klassen's original artwork. The design includes two large furry slides that suggest the curve of a rooftop while looking incredibly fun. This visual aesthetic perfectly complements the show's tone of thoughtful absurdity.
Perfect for Younger Audiences
During performances, younger primary-school audiences have been observed absolutely lapping up the production's whimsical charm. However, the extreme whimsy and lack of conventional plot might potentially baffle older children accustomed to more narrative-driven entertainment.
The show's concise running time of fifty minutes ensures it doesn't outstay its welcome, much like Santa himself on his busy Christmas Eve rounds. Priced at £20.50 (£18.50 for concessions), it offers a perfect festive outing for families seeking something different from traditional pantomimes.
The Unicorn Theatre, located at 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ near London Bridge station, provides the ideal intimate setting for this charmingly peculiar Christmas exploration. With multiple performances scheduled throughout December 2025, including regular 11:00 AM showings, families have ample opportunity to experience this unique festive treat.
