The costume was there, in a closet… That's how Nicolas came up with the idea. Him, Santa Claus? “I said to myself, 'why not give it a go?' », recalls this 37-year-old man, accustomed for four years now to playing with his big voice. “I know it’s natural for me but I still force it for the occasion,” he laughs with the famous “ho ho ho” required.
This professional actor particularly enjoys the role of the most famous gift distributor. “Because it’s a very nice way to make a living. There is a real interaction with the children but also the adults, it changes me,” explains this regular on the stage. He has already played in “classical plays” and is currently performing at the Comédie Saint-Michel in Paris. “I'm alone on stage in a short story by Maupassant, it's almost the complete opposite of what I experience as Santa Claus! »
When he puts on the famous costume, another world opens up to him. Lighter, sometimes educational too. “Especially in video, where I am often asked to transmit a few messages,” describes Nicolas, who started this adventure online, with VisioPereNoel.com. He still has these moments behind the screen and, for the past two years, has also been traveling.
On the evening of December 24, parents “reserved” him for a trip to the southwest suburbs of Paris. “It’s a lot like video in terms of preparation,” explains the professional. “I know that I have information beforehand about the ages of the children, their number, their first names… But it’s after that that changes. »
The hood is not practical in transport
The show, which can last “up to thirty minutes” against “200 euros” as far as it is concerned, can then begin. “Usually, I change on the landing when I arrive. We agreed with the parents that they would leave the gifts for me there with the first names on them. I put them in a bag, it's more practical than a bag in transport. And I ring the bell. Normally, it's a child who comes to open the door. There is always a moment of surprise! Afterwards, I chat with them, I sometimes make them sing and they also ask me questions. »
Like “where are the reindeer?” » Answer: “on the roof, we can’t see them!” » Or “how did you come since we don’t have a fireplace?” » Here again, the actor has a parade. “This is the case in many homes, I also go through doors and windows! »
“Freshness in working with children”
“There’s a real freshness to working with children,” says Nicolas, recalling some delicious moments. “Once, some children hadn't arrived, so I had to keep the others waiting with a story about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. Another time, I was just given carrots for the reindeer. I left with it, I was really annoyed,” he still laughs without remembering having had a bad experience. “Not in person, because I arrive with the gifts so things obviously go well. In video, I don't have one… Once, a child stuck his tongue out at me! »
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Nothing too bad could discourage him. “It’s still fun to play this role. But if I ever get attacked, I'll change my mind. » So the parents will have to find another Santa Claus.
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