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Royal Exchange theatre, ManchesterDavid Grieg’s rowdy, informal yarn makes a pleasingly oddball antidote to the classic Christmas showDevils may not seem very festive but David Greig’s tale of midwinter magic is an inspired bit of Christmas programming, creating the feeling of being gathered cosily around the fire. Through story and song, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart transports us to a snow-blanketed Scottish border town, weaving a good old-fashioned yarn.Prudencia is a scholar of folklore, specialising in the topography of the underworld. During a conference, she becomes trapped in her own idea of hell, stranded in the snow and surrounded by fashionably post-poststructuralist colleagues. As if things couldn’t get any worse, there’s karaoke. Escaping this nightmare, Prudencia runs out into the snowy night, where she encounters a devilishly friendly B&B owner.The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is at the Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester, until 15 January. Continue reading...