Terry Titter’s Cosy Chrimbo (Liverpool)

Returning for his eighth consecutive Christmas show at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre is Terry Titter, who presents an alternative view to these festive times.

Titter, aka Liverpool actor, writer and stand-up comedian Terry Kilkelly, is at his most crudest and offensive in this one-man show.

The cosy set features a fire place – recreated by a visual on a small TV screen – donned with stockings and tinsel, while two Christmas trees are positioned each side of the performance space.

In the guise of four Scouse characters last seen in his Sunshine Spesh show this year, Kilkelly switches from each alter-ego to the next, swigging ‘Terry’s Brandy’ with a simple change of wig and costume adjustment here and there.

He firstly introduces us to Renie – imagine Patricia Routledge’s Mrs Bucket but with a much coarser tongue – who is arguably the funniest of the bunch. She sets the tone immediately by making references to cigarettes and tampons, where I’ll let you figure the gag out for yourself. Kilkelly’s loyal followers, cramming the small auditorium on this particular evening, can’t contain themselves from laughing out loud from one crude line to the other.

Next, Kilkelly transforms into Nadine Harris by sticking a set of ugly-looking dentures in his mouth. She runs a beauty salon, is the epitome of irritating, and someone most would try to avoid.

Other characters include Boz, a homophobic wannabe rock star, and the overly gay Malcolm, who appear in the second act. Kilkelly, as archetype Terry Titter, finishes with a far from traditional Christmas story packed with more offensive undertones.

The show is completely mad and, at times, a little chaotic as Kilkelly’s improvisations, such as a puppet show, become a bit lost in translation. Others may also disapprove of the use of the f-word which is frequently used.

His observation of festive conversation is brilliant, however. Using a technique he calls “Christmas tourettes”, Kilkelly occasionally breaks out of character to shout “Sprouts need crosses on them” or “Cashews, get more cashews”.

Celebrities come under attack too, in particular X Factor winner Joe McElderry and fellow comedian John Bishop, with Kilkelly showing some bitterness towards the latter. Whether intended for comedy effect or genuine dislike, it is unclear.

The format of Kilkelly’s latest addition is not a giant leap from his previous shows but there is no denying he’ll leave some of you in a fit of the giggles.

– Michael Hunt