Review: Kaksitoista lahjaa Joulupukille

Christmas starts at the theatre: 12 gifts for Santa Claus

The Christmas play for the whole family, performed in the foyer of the Helsinki City Theatre’s small stage, has been our family’s regular start to Christmas for a long time. We have watched the classic play Elves as shoemakers, first with the firstborn, then a few years later also with the youngest. This year, the City Theatre is relying on the appeal of Mauri Kunnas, as the foyer has been taken over by 12 gifts for Santa Claus.

Before the performance, excitement fills the air. For the little spectators, pillows have been spread out in front of the stage, it is the best place to watch the play. We adults sit on the benches further back, the youngest one watches the play from my lap. They say you can see well enough from it, there’s no reason to go any further. I think we are the oldest spectators with the youngest, after all, the play is aimed at over 3-year-olds and the little ones are in the majority in the audience.

At the beginning of the play, we meet Ville the elf, who wants to give Santa a gift every twelve days before the eve. Unfortunately, Ville’s good intentions get all sorts of twists and turns and everything doesn’t go as the little elf boy has thought.

The performance lasts forty minutes and it goes quickly. I look at the face of the youngster sitting on my lap several times, each time I see a smile dimple on his cheek. Adults are also amused, laughed at and even moved. Risto Kaskilahti as Santa is excellent, Sofia Hilli as Ville the elf is full of company and Sari Haapamäki handles her numerous roles from Santa Claus to reindeer with skill. There are also surprises on stage.

As we leave, the youngest turns to me and tells me that he would never have thought the play was so good. “This was the best I’ve ever seen,” the child exclaims. That feedback comes straight from the heart.

At the moment, unfortunately, almost all performance days seem to be sold out, which is a real shame. However, I recommend that you take a look at the situation and ask about cancellation locations diligently.