It’s time to go on Holidays with Queensland Theatre
Queensland Theatre’s world premiere of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award (QPDA) 2018–19 winner ‘The Holidays’ by David Megarrity will take place this week.
The production, which was postponed due to the pandemic, will perform its season at The Bille Brown Theatre until 12 December 2020. Queensland Theatre Artistic Director, Lee Lewis, shared her excitement about the news.
“The Bille Brown Theatre is set to reopen!” said Lewis. “What a brilliant way to end a tumultuous year, with a new work by an outstanding local playwright and starring some audience favourites.”
‘The Holidays’ is directed by Matilda Award-winning Bridget Boyle, in a continuation of their long-time collaboration, and stars Queensland stage royalty in Bryan Probets and Louise Brehmer.
The production also introduces 15-year-old Matthew Ianna to the Queensland Theatre family. Currently at Kelvin Grove State Collage, Matthew is a member of the Senior School Drama Club and for the past three years has been active in theatre and live performance. In 2017 he took part in Queensland Theatre’s ‘The Scene Project’ and now makes his mainstage debut with the Company, another example of the strong pathways open to Queenslanders in the arts.
Written by David Megarrity, ‘The Holidays’ is 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 new story will transport audiences to a quintessential 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. ‘The Holidays’ is a show for sons, fathers, grandfathers, and anyone who loves one.
Lewis reiterated the production will be COVID-safe, but still provide a magical night out at the theatre.
“Queensland Theatre will be providing a COVID-Safe theatre experience in line with Queensland Health guidelines,” Lewsi said.
“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.
‘The Holidays’ performs until 12 December 2020 at the Bille Brown Theatre in South Brisbane. Tickets are available at Queensland Theatre’s website.
