Freedom for the Lapland One
Will The Trial of Santa Claus mean Christmas is cancelled?
Christmas is a time for many things – caring, sharing, forgiveness. However, putting the jolly present-giving fella in the red suit on trial isn’t usually one that comes to mind. But the folks at Laudable Pods are doing just that – in a light-hearted way (we hope). After all, while most of us enjoy the festive season, there are always a few curmudgeonly sorts who will see the downside, like cheaply-made gifts with dodgy power supplies, moaning about the snow, and hitting New Year a couple of stones heavier...
Others will argue that it’s clichéd to be cynical at Christmas – Dan McLaughlin is the festive fanatic who will defend cheesy cracker jokes, join in with Mariah’s incessant warbling, take delight in braving the shops on Xmas Eve (or more likely, has had everything wrapped since late September).
He’ll also make the case for other staples that define the most wonderful time of the year – is Die Hard a festive film, is Bad Santa 2 a worthy sequel, and should Michael Bublé be left frozen in the North Pole permanently, like Han Solo in carbonite (obviously; sadly, no; and does Rudolph have a red nose?)
Case for the defence made, the prosecution rather unreasonably come as a tag team of Scrooges in the shape of Matt Millard and Kelly Crighton. The harumphing humburgers give a resounding “oh no it isn’t” to panto, a no no no to Dan’s “ho ho ho”, and a Christmas boo to the “soulless excuse for capitalism”, before heading off to do their festive shop in an allnight garage (probably)
However, you, the public, are invited to become members of the jury as the defence and prosecution put the case forward to either cancel or save Christmas, over the space of twelve episodes.
If you agree with the defence, Santa’s salvation edges nearer; or if you agree with the prosecution, Saint Nick is closer to, er, the nick.
By the end of the 12 days, ‘The Trial of Santa Claus’ will determine Father Christmas’ guilt or innocence – and whether he can ride his sleigh with his reindeer ahead of the big day itself.
■ Listen at linktr.ee/ laudable_podcasts.