5 Christmas Plays by Australian Playwrights
1. Summer Wonderland by Matthew Ryan
About the Playwright:
Matthew Ryan, with roots traced back to a hobby farm in Shepparton, Victoria, found his theatrical passion during his school years. His play “Kelly,” inspired by the legend of Ned Kelly, showcases his knack for digging into Australian lore. But it’s his background — growing up near Ned Kelly’s last stand and attending Somerset College on the Gold Coast — that truly moulded his storytelling.
The Play:
Venture into Dickens Court, a neighbourhood in uproar thanks to a Christmas lights competition. Bob, a true-blue Aussie battler, is out of a job. Then there’s Eugene, in the red after getting a mail-order bride, and a snobbish couple eyeing a beachfront apartment. When they catch wind of the grand prize money, it’s game on! Think fake snow, fairy lights, and a riotous depiction of the great Australian Dream.
2. They Sold Their Souls to Santa by Camille Scaysbrook
About the Playwright:
Born in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in 1977, Camille Scaysbrook carries a legacy of talent, being the offspring of an artist and a motorcycling champ. Her prodigious start saw her penning stories as early as age 5 and novels by 12. A star at Sydney’s Roundabout Theatre, both as a student and later as a teacher, she played pivotal roles in various plays. She’s a celebrated winner of the Sydney Theatre Company Young Playwright of the Year Award and has contributed to the global theatre scene in more ways than one can imagine. Apart from theatre, her diverse range of work includes radio dramas, heritage architecture campaigns, computer game designs, and freelance writing. Scaysbrook’s journeys took her from Sydney to New York and Europe, refining her craft every step of the way.
The Play:
For Lydia, Christmas isn’t all fairy lights and festive cheer. Instead, it’s a whirlwind of family chaos — a cousin who’s a pain, an unfaithful aunt, a barbecue-obsessed dad, and a boozy best mate. Let’s not forget a mum who seems perpetually perplexed by her. Amid the festive fiasco, Ray — the handsome son of Frank — and a peculiar ‘angelic’ boy bring a glimmer of hope. Could this be the Christmas where Lydia finds her special something?
3. Code Name: Angel Star by D.M. Cameron
About the Playwright:
Donna M Cameron, originally an actress and novelist, is not just a name, but an institution in Australian literary circles. An AWGIE nominated radio dramatist, she’s received accolades as a playwright and short film writer. Her novel “Beneath the Mother Tree” received a nod as a top Australian fiction read, and her next book, “The Rewilding,” is eagerly awaited in 2024. A tapestry of achievements marks her journey, from being a finalist in the Tasmanian Writers’ Prize to acquiring a 2021 Varuna Fellowship.
The Play:
In a modern world, Maree faces an age-old dilemma – she’s pregnant but still a virgin. As government agents chase her down suspecting an alien implantation, her personal relationships are tested. Is it a modern-day immaculate conception? “Code Name: Angel Star” is a contemporary take on the nativity tale, tailored for upper secondary student performances. With a generous cast, it explores themes of adolescence in a comic setting, making it a must-watch for teen and young adult audiences.
4. Never Closer by Grace Chapple
About the Playwright:
Grace Chapple is an emerging voice in Australian theatre, hailing from Gadigal land in Sydney. A graduate with an MFA in Writing for Performance from the illustrious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Chapple’s narratives often delve into the intricacies of human relationships, set against a backdrop of political and societal upheavals.
The Play:
“Never Closer” is a journey back to Christmas, 1987, in a border town of Northern Ireland. Deirdre finds herself in a holiday limbo, ready to embrace solitude when her past friends unexpectedly gather, kindling warmth in the icy depths of winter. However, when Niamh, an old friend, introduces her English boyfriend, tensions flare. The narrative is a powerful exploration of friendship, trauma, love, and the shadows of yesteryears. Political dynamics and personal intricacies blend with a hint of whiskey, resulting in a potent cocktail of emotions and confrontations.
5. Merry Christmas, Bitches! by Samantha Hill
About the Playwright:
Samantha Hill, based in Brisbane, is not just a playwright but an actor and teacher to boot. She’s graced the stages and screens of Australia, showcasing her multi-talented spirit. Having studied at institutions like the University of Melbourne and RMIT, she has curated a diverse portfolio, with “Merry Christmas, Bitches!” being a standout.
The Play:
It’s Christmas Day in Australia, where food, Facebook, footy, and feminism reign. But there’s a twist: a body’s been found beneath Grandma Bev’s backyard shed. Yet, even this grim discovery won’t halt the McDoonie family’s festive luncheon. While everyone speculates about the mysterious cadaver, the McDoonie women, feeling the weight of societal expectations, steal moments away for some cheeky, darkly comedic rants. From Breanna dealing with a patronising uncle to Bev grappling with a potentially dire secret, the play captures the chaotic, comedic essence of an Aussie Christmas underlined by deeper societal themes.
So there you have it! From uproarious comedies to soul-stirring dramas, Aussie playwrights are serving up Christmas tales that’ll have you both laughing and pondering. Fancy catching one of these plays? Keep an eye out for local listings. Until then, happy reading and a merry ol’ Christmas to ya!
