Little Miss Christmas at Southwark Playhouse

Little Miss Christmas at Southwark Playhouse Borough brings festive drag, bold visuals and high-energy camp to London this Christmas, as Patti Boo Rae returns to defend her title in the race for the coveted Candy Cane Crown.

Created and performed by rising cabaret star Patti Boo Rae, Little Miss Christmas is a madcap beauty pageant with a Christmassy twist, featuring classic competition categories including Interview, Swimsuit, Evening Wear, Talent and Coronation. Each night also welcomes a different guest performer from London’s drag, cabaret, panto and comedy scenes, keeping the show fresh and unpredictable.

Grinch vs Candy Cane Crown

Comparisons were always going to happen — especially for me. Last year’s Christmas show was Grinch-focused, and as someone who absolutely loves The Grinch, that production had my heart from the start. The mischief, narrative drive and emotional through-line made it feel like a complete festive journey.

This year’s Candy Cane Crown concept leans more into pageant parody and playful competition. Visually, it delivers in spades — bold costumes, quick changes, and drag glamour galore — but I personally missed the stronger narrative backbone that last year’s Grinch-inspired storyline offered.

That said, this is very much a different show, with a lighter, sillier tone and a deliberate focus on festive perfection, performativity and the pressures that come with it.

Patti Boo Rae Shines

I want to be very clear — Patti Boo Rae was absolutely lovely.

Warm, quick-witted and hugely professional, Patti carried the show with ease, delivering live vocals, lip syncs, singalongs and comedy beats while pulling the audience along for the ride. She also handled the room with real grace, even gently trying to keep things settled when the atmosphere became a little too lively.

That generosity with the audience is no small thing, especially in an intimate venue like Southwark Playhouse Borough.

When Audience Behaviour Impacts the Experience

Unfortunately, one aspect of the night that did affect my overall enjoyment was audience noise, particularly after the interval. Continued chatter, movement, and repeated trips to the bar made it harder to stay fully immersed in the performance.

This wasn’t down to the show or the performer — Patti genuinely tried to keep things calm — but once a few drinks have been had, some people forget they’re in a theatre space rather than a bar or club.

I was grateful that photos and videos were allowed during the performance, because had they not been, I would have been genuinely upset when someone stepped directly into my curtain call shot. In small venues, even minor disruptions can feel amplified, and theatre etiquette really does matter.

A Camp, Heartfelt Festive Night

Behind the glitter and humour, Little Miss Christmas is a show with warmth and heart, taking a sharp look at identity, performance and the pressure to present perfection during the festive season. Written by Coggin Galbreath and directed by Ryan Hay, it’s unapologetically camp, silly and self-aware.

For me, it didn’t quite beat last year’s Grinch-focused show — but that bar was already incredibly high. This year’s Candy Cane Crown concept still offers a fun, high-energy Christmas night out, led by a performer who clearly cares about her audience.

If you’re going, go for the sparkle, the drag and the festive chaos — and please remember your theatre manners 🎄🎭