Queensland Theatre Returns to the Stage
“Queensland Theatre is Back!” says Queensland Theatre Artist Director, Lee Lewis today.
The state theatre company is set to reopen its doors in a Covid-Safe way this November for the world premiere production of ‘The Holidays’ by David Megarrity.
‘The Holidays’, which won the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award (2018-2019), is described as a “touching meditation on morality, and a whimsical and deeply recognizable exploration between a son, a father and his grandfather.” Lewis admits that the work is “a brilliant way to end a tumultuous year.”
The play is set to star Brisbane and Queensland favourites, Bryan Probets and Louis Bremher. Lewis describes the privilege of seeing the pair work on their home stage as “really lovely.” The trio of performers is set to be filled by a young, male actor of approximately 12 years old who is yet to be cast, explained Megarrity.
Megarrity added that the journey to securing the work on stage was “a long one”, even before COVID, as they were required to go through television pitches and a novel before finally winning the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award. “The rest they say is history,” says Megarrity before admitting, “Well not history just yet but hopefully Covid allowing.”
Thankfully Queensland Theatre has thought of the best way to make sure the show goes ahead saying, “To comply with social distancing measures, our theatre capacity has been reduced to 50%, but we will run the season longer so as many people as possible can see this beautiful work”.
Lewis does admit however that while this model isn’t financially viable forever, thanks to the support of the Queensland Government, it is doable for right now, “We obviously can’t guarantee audience safety but we can work with Queensland audiences to make them feel safe enough to come back in the theatre.”
Fresh off her Matilda award-winning play ‘The Longest Minute’, Bridget Boyle is set to direct the production, which is sure to be “filled with heart, in a time where we really need to celebrate being together.”
Premier Palaszczuk welcomes the news and encourages audiences to return to the theatre. “This is wonderful news for our performing arts landscape… I encourage Queenslanders to get along and see this remarkable play.”
‘The Holiday’ will run from November 14 through till December 12 at the Billie Brown Theatre in Brisbane’s West End. For more information and ticketing details visit Queensland Theatre’s Website.
