A QUEER CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: THE FIT PRINCE (WHO GETS SWITCHED ON THE SQUARE IN THE FROSTY CASTLE THE NIGHT BEFORE (INSERT PUBLIC HOLIDAY HERE))

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Awkward Productions, the architects of queer chaos behind hits like Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and Gwyneth Goes Skiing, have crafted their most joyful show yet. The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before insert public holiday here)) is a gloriously unhinged and heartfelt send-up of the entire Hallmark holiday movie genre. We are whisked away to the fictional, utterly charming country of Swedonia—a destination I now fervently dream of visiting, if its delightful on-stage citizens are any indication.

The premise is a familiar rom-com tapestry, brilliantly frayed at the edges: following a royal death, Prince Elian must marry by Christmas to secure the throne. Enter Aaron Butcher, a New York baker butchering his career, who might just be the man to help—initially with a cake, and perhaps with much more. What unfolds is less a linear plot and more a sustained hurricane of inventive puppetry, razor-sharp pop culture parodies, and brilliantly managed participatory pandemonium. I bloody fabulous!

Linus Karp is, as always, a master of committed, fizzy comedy, while Joseph Martin dazzles with his expressive puppetry and serves as a wonderfully genuine, awkward romantic lead. The duo’s chemistry is the show’s bedrock. True to form, Awkward Productions deliver their signature low-tech spectacle with immense creativity. A particular highlight was the BAAB sequence—a pitch-perfect and hilariously menacing parody of a certain iconic pop group, whose megamix of ‘hits’ like ‘Dunkirk’ provided some of the night’s biggest laughs.

The pre-recorded digital cameos are a star-studded delight. Sebastian Croft is hilariously game as a princely doppelgänger, while Yshee Black delivers and slays as Michelle Obama. Supporting appearances, including Kate Butch as a stern Angela Merkel, add layers to the joyful, meta madness.

This show understands its audience perfectly. When I first entered the ‘Awkward-verse’, I was struck by the friendly, loyal, and immaculately vibed crowd. That wonderful sense of inclusive community is palpable once again. It’s not just a fabulous show; it’s a shared, celebratory event.

I rarely cackle out loud repeatedly, but The Fit Prince had me howling throughout. It is a must-see, proving that witty, queer chaos is the ultimate recipe for a festive Christmas. Pure, unadulterated joy.

The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) is running at King’s Head Theatre until Saturday 3 January.

WEBSITE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A must see

CAST AND PRODUCTION

Created by and Starring | Linus Karp
Created by and Starring | Joseph Martin
Original Music | Leland

Designer I Stella Backman
Lighting Designer | James Appleby
Sound Designer I Kate Marlais

Additional Costume I Zack Pinset
Choreography I Sam Carlyle
Graphic Design I Alice Gorman

Additional Design I Wez Maddocks
Promo Photography I Dave Bird
PR | Madelaine Bennett for Gingerbread PR
Producers | Awkward Productions & King’s Head Theatre Productions

DIGITAL CAST

Tove Lo | The Prime Minister of Swedonia
Sebastian Croft | Prince Balthazar of Bashington
Malte Gårdinger | Prince Carsten of Markden

Joshua Whitehouse | Simon, Jacob’s Fiancé
Misia Butler | Prince Laurie of New York City
Yshee Black | Michelle Obama

Kate Butch | Angela Merkel
Geri Allen | The Queen of England
Julia Bender | Princess Tonelia

Max Lindsay | Gay Fan 3
Kate Marlais | Orphans and BAAB Vocalist
Sam Carlyle | BAAB Vocalist