2020 has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the performing arts industry worldwide. But, it is always lovely to hear positive stories about smaller organisations managing to maintain some level of normality in our new COVID normal. For the last two years, the team at shake & stir theatre co has held performances of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol in the QPAC Playhouse – becoming the latest Christmas tradition for Queenslanders. COVID-19 is not preventing the season from going ahead this year, with shows being held from 16-24 December 2020. To me, this sounds like a perfect show to watch on Christmas Eve!
In even more exciting news, the production is moving from the 850-seat Playhouse to the 2,000 seat Lyric Theatre as the season which reopens the venue. Seats available do take into consideration social distancing, so the theatre will only be half-full. However, given the Lyric Theatre is usually booked months and years in advance almost exclusively to Queensland’s home companies and major musicals, this is a significant step up for the company. Here’s hoping that the demand is there for the local performing arts producer to use the Lyric Theatre in 2021 and beyond.
This Queensland production of A Christmas Carol is directed by Michael Futcher, and saw shake & stir walk away with the coveted 2020 Gold Matilda Award. Other creatives include Josh McIntosh (Designer), Nelle Lee (Adaptor), Salliana Campbell (Composer), Jason Glenwright (Lighting Designer), Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer) and Guy Webster (Sound Designer).
The production of A Christmas Carol will feature Eugene Gilfedder in the lead role of Scrooge. Other cast members include multi-instrumentalist Salliana Campbell and all three of shake & stir’s Artistic Directors – Ross Balbuziente, Nelle Lee, and Nick Skubij.
Tickets are now available to purchase via the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s website, with tickets priced between $49.00 and $69.00 based on chosen seating reserve and age.
Hailed as one of Dickens’ most famous stories, the tale serves as a timeless and timely reminder to avoid the pitfalls of selfishness, to think of those less fortunate and honour the true spirit of Christmas. Taking place on Christmas Eve, it follows Ebenezer Scrooge who is counting down the seconds until the silliness of the season passes. Deeply entrenched in his own misery, Scrooge receives a visit from four ghosts who whisk him away on a journey through time to show him fragments of Christmas past, present and future. Redemption is his for the taking – but is Old Scrooge capable of changing his ways before it’s too late?
This season also serves as a return to the stage for shake & stir theatre co, who have been on a nine-month hiatus from their usual performance work which takes them across the country. They haven’t been quiet, however, continuing their school education efforts through online technology.
Click across to the next page to view A Christmas Carol’s latest trailer and statements from key individuals from QPAC and shake & stir theatre co.
