A touching portrait of memory and connection, Queensland Theatre returns to the Bille Brown Theatre with the world premiere season of David Megarrity’s award-winning play, The Holidays, from 14 November 2020.
“Queensland Theatre is back! What a brilliant way to end a tumultuous year, with a new work by an outstanding local playwright and starring some audience favourites,” said Queensland Theatre Artistic Director, Lee Lewis.
This family story will transport audiences to a quintessentially Queensland beach getaway for a touching meditation on mortality, and a whimsical and deeply recognisable exploration of the relationship between a son, his father, and his grandfather.
A touching portrait of memory and connection. The Holidays are on holiday: 12-year-old Oliver has been pulled out of school for an unexpected trip with his mum and dad, to grandad’s seaside shack.
But grandad, an eccentric artist, is not there. In this messy place stuffed with memories, it seems that the Holidays – instead of getting away from it all – have taken a lot with them.
This Queensland Premier’s Drama Award-winning play is a wistful and funny journey combining live performance, music and lyrical projection. A disarming chronicle about family, for families, The Holidays is a show for sons, fathers, grandfathers, and anyone who loves one.
Directed by Matilda Award-winning Bridget Boyle, in a continuation of their long-time collaboration, The Holidays stars Queensland stage royalty, Bryan Probets and Louise Brehmer. Boyle last directed the heart-warming and award-winning production, The Longest Minute.
Brisbane theatre-maker, writer, composer, musician, and academic David Megarrity won the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2018–19 for The Holidays from a field of more than 90 entrants. The Holidays is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
“It is truly exciting to be staging The Holidays. There is magic inside David Megarrity’s words promising a journey filled with heart, in a time when we really need to celebrate being together,” said Lewis.
“Queensland Theatre will be providing a COVID-Safe theatre experience in line with Queensland Health guidelines. To comply with social distancing measures, our theatre capacity has been reduced, but we will run the season for longer so as many people as possible can see this beautiful story,” she said.
Director: Bridget Boyle Featuring: Louise Brehmer, Matthew Ianna, Bryan Probets Designer: Sarah Winter Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright Projection Designer Nathan Sibthorpe Composer Sean Foran Sound Designer Matthew Erskine
The Holidays
Bille Brown Theatre – Queensland Theatre, 78 Montague Road, South Brisbane
Season: 14 November – 12 December 2020
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au
Image: Bryan Probets stars in The Holidays – courtesy of Queensland Theatre