Of course, given the season, a meal together is on the menu, albeit Chinese food out of takeaway boxes. But there’s also a more unsavoury subtext over the current situation in Israel/Palestine and the history behind it, including the inheritance of the Holocaust, which for Tamara includes second generation survivor’s guilt. The arrival of her ex-boyfriend Aaron (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) adds a another contentious dimension, for he is delighted by his recent move to Israel. A wonderfully surreal touch is added by Jamie Ankrah, who punctuates the meal as a succession of crazed or stoned intruders from the street, inadequately dressed bearing some questionable gifts.
Christmas Day may be a mixed box of seasonal delights, but it’s plentiful and tasty, just like Grabiner’s writing.
By Judi Herman
Photos by Marc Brenner
Christmas Day runs until Thursday 8 January, but is almost sold out; check website for availability or phone for cancellations. 7.30pm, 2pm (Tue & Sat only; plus 31 Dec & 8 Jan). From £32.50. Almeida Theatre, London N1 1TA. 020 7359 4404. almeida.co.uk
