A tradition of holiday-themed humour is returning to the stage in Nanaimo as James and Jamesy are inviting audiences to again join them for tea.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy will be presented Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Port Theatre, starring Aaron Malkin as James and Alastair Knowles as Jamesy.

A press release suggests the performance is reminiscent of classic British pantos, blending physical comedy with quick-witted wordplay. The characters share the same experiences, but from very different perspectives, as for James, on-stage events are make-believe and the audience is real, while for Jamesy, on-stage events are real and the audience doesn't exist.

"Theatre is in its essence an exercise in imagination, a suspension of disbelief," said Knowles in the release. "O Christmas Tea focuses on, and plays with, this distinction."

The Port Theatre shows are two of more than 60 performances in 37 cities in the lead-up to Christmas, and O Christmas Tea has become a tradition of the season for many theatre-goers, the release noted. Malkin said every year the tour gets bigger and the show develops to keep it fresh for audiences and the performers.

"At this time of year, we're inspired to dream big and tap into our child-like imagination," he said. "O Christmas Tea is a show that brings family and friends together. For those who've already made it part of their holiday tradition, we're excited to introduce new elements that will make this year's performance even more unforgettable."

WHAT'S ON ... O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy will show at the Port Theatre on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.ochristmastea.com or call the theatre box office at 250-754-8550.