‘Tis the season for the oft detested annual tradition of office Christmas parties and Deck the Stalls brings every awkward moment to life in this endearing and relatable one woman show. Laura Rea is Serena, a northern girl with a barely used English Lit degree who finds herself thrust into a generic finance company in the illustrious corporate mecca of Milton Keynes. Attired in a non-HR compliant red blazer dress we spend an evening in her company, conversing with her fellow cubicle dwellers and experiencing all the pitfalls and challenges that come from getting drunk with your coworkers. 

This hour long scene by English playwright Lydia Kavanagh and directed by Chloe Cattin takes the somewhat generic setting of the office party and layers it with moments of both chuckling hilarity and intense grief. Rea brings a burst of energy and sass to drive the comedy, but it’s when she retreats within, hiding in the toilet stall to recall fond memories of her recently deceased father, that she truly shines. As the pumping beats of self-appointed DJ Dave from Accounting fade away, we are left with a heartfelt record of the loneliness and detachment that can be corporate life. 

The many stereotypical characters embodied are amusing but some of the physical movement is hard to follow and when the accents occasionally drop the multi-sided conversations go off track at times. Nathan Friend’s sound design is excellent in its suitably dreadful recreation of a 90s party playlist and the touching use of an absence of sound heighten the insular stalls scenes; the lighting design is also simple but provides enough visual breakup on the black box stage. 

Whilst some development of the script could help with the comic timing and memorability,  in particular a stronger reliance on visual personification rather than naming every interaction, the highs and lows of the evening provide for a surprisingly impactful play that is relatable for anyone who has ever graced a water cooler gathering. With the prosecco flowing and the PussyCat Dolls pumping, Deck the Stalls brings a dreaded holiday event to life and reminds us all to be thankful that office Secret Santa only comes around once a year. 

Review by Eva Tilley

Deck The Stalls is on until 22nd December. To find out more about Deck The Stalls and to book tickets you can visit their website here.

If you liked this review you might also like my review for Peter Pan The Drag Panto, White Christmas at The Mill at Sonning and Stagey Gift Guide.