A Very Naughty Christmas is in its eighth year in Brisbane and it’s the sassiest, most scandalous way to kick off the Christmas season. We chatted to Aurélie Roque, who’s been performing in the cast since it’s inception about her fave Christmas traditions, whether she loves the Grinch or Santa best, and just what it takes to prepare for this fun festive extravaganza.
How many years have you done AVNC now?
Well I’ve been with the show since its creation in 2017, so eight years now! Year one as Vixen, Year two as Evie, and then as myself ever since.
What is has been your fave number to do over the years?
I will always have a special place in my heart for the very first song I re-lyricized for the show, back in 2017: a hilarious & dirty take on Jingle Bells. We were cast as each of the reindeer, and as Vixen, I did my very first ‘screw Christmas’ rant, that ultimately began the Krampus/Anti-Christmas character.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
The only thing my Naughty Christmas character and I don’t have in common is that I absolutely LOVE CHRISTMAS, so my favorite songs tend to be pretty sappy…you’ve been warned:
- Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
- Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles
- Silent Night (I remember singing this one in my college choir every year, and having to lip sync, because I was always happy crying.)
- Joy to the World
- Christmas Lullaby or Surabaya Santa from Songs For a New World
- Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by literally anyone
What’s a Christmas tradition you love?
There are a set number of classic movies I enjoy watching at the end of the year, but hands, family dinners, parades, & Christmas tree lightings are some of my happiest memories. Back in Kansas City, there is a lovely part of town called The Plaza that has permanent Christmas lights on all the buildings all year round. On Thanksgiving, they have a big to-do in town, and hold a lighting ceremony. They stay on until Mid-January.
What’s a Christmas tradition you hate?
I cannot stand seeing Christmas stuff for sale DURING HALLOWEEN! I was raised to put up holiday decorations after Thanksgiving, so that really gets my goat.
You’re originally from the US, what are some differences between an Aussie and a US Christmas?
Oh that’s easy: the seasons! Summer vs Winter. Any other differences stem from that. I will tell you my favorite things about celebrating in each season. In the Northern Hemisphere – there is nothing that can describe snow for Christmas. Down here – spending Christmas day at the beach or pool is just so crazy unusual, and a must do!
Grinch or Santa and why?
Both, and I’m only too happy to explain why. The fact that the Grinch was so alone, and pushing back against his loneliness by lashing out at the Whovians with anger, only to finally realize that they would be honored to be his friend, and that it’s he himself that’s not allowing joy and love into his heart, and then he takes that scary step to open his heart?? Ugh stop, I’m already crying just thinking about it.
As for Santa, well he’s my hero. A beacon of seeing good in all, and asking everyone to do the same. When I was younger, I swear on all that’s holy…I heard footsteps on the roof. To this day, I still believe it was him. If I ever met him, I would probably faint.
Do you have a favourite Christmas themed bit of clothing and what is it?
I happen to own an arsenal of holiday clothing & accessories. Once rehearsals start, I usually wear a different Christmas themed shirt or outfit every day, without repeating. I can’t chose a favorite from my babies; it feels like choosing a favorite child! I love them all equally.
How do you prepare for AVNC shows?
We usually spend about 2 to 3 weeks in full-time rehearsals, workshopping and then streamlining the show each year. If you’ve ever seen the show, with the amount of choreography and harmonies created every year, you’ll understand how big an undertaking that is.
What’s your fave part of the show this year?
Hands down, it has to be Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man), which just absolutely goes off. Either that, or the cucumber….if you know, you know.
Any other Christmas stories about you that you want to share?
I don’t remember when I started doing this, but every year, just for fun and at a random point in the run of the season, I hide a Grinch figurine somewhere in the theatre, and whomever in the cast, band, or crew that finds it, I buy them a drink after the show.
What should audiences expect from the show this year?
A rowdy 80 minutes of Sexiness, silliness and Santa!
A Very Naughty Christmas runs until December 18. Roundhouse Theatre, Kelvin Grove. Book tickets here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
