What's On - December 2020
Now that theatres have returned to 100% capacity, it’s time to gift yourself a show ticket and embrace the festive season. We’ve jumped in our sleigh and travelled across Brisbane to discover these great festive productions sparking joy across Southeast Queensland. From the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to the Nutcracker ballet, browse below to check out the wide variety of entertainment showing this December.
From our Haus to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season.
'It's Christmas with the Beatles Swing' (Empire Theatre)
3 December 2020; 11:00 AM (Live Stream Tickets also available)
The Daytime Series presents Craig Martin and his Swing Band performing a selection of swingin’ Fab Four classics from his Beatles Swing show, plus the very best Christmas Songs & Carols ever recorded by a selection of the world’s greatest ever performers, including: Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, Bing Crosby and many, many more….
'Christmas Actually' (La Boite Theatre)
24 November - 5 December 2020; 7:30 PM
The feel-good festive smash returns to audiences in 2020! Relive the music from the popular holiday movie, ‘Love Actually’, including smash-hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and the Beatles. ‘Christmas Actually’ is the ultimate silly-season starring brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists. Starring Naomi Price with Mik Easterman, Scott French, Irena Lysiuk, Luke Kennedy, Michael Manikus, OJ Newcomb and Tom Oliver.
'A Very Naughty Christmas' (Brisbane Powerhouse)
3-13 December 2020; Various Show Times
Brisbane’s favourite adults-only Christmas cabaret is back to tickle your tinsel. Now in it’s fourth year, ‘A Very Naughty Christmas’ returns to delight audiences in more ways than one. Swapping face masks for Santa Hats, a hot list of sexy carollers are raring to seduce you this holiday season. Featuring a live band, nine naughty performers and Christmas classics like you’ve never heard them before, it’s time to get in the festive mood with a gift that keeps giving… and giving…
'The Best of the Nutcracker' (QPAC)
4-5 December 2020; 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
The magic of Christmas returns with Queensland Ballet’s ‘Best of The Nutcracker’. A special edition season, with highlights from the classic adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffman’s ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816), audiences will be transported to to a stunning world where Clara embarks on an adventure to the Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is perfect family holiday entertainment for four show’s only at QPAC’s Concert Hall.
'Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols' (Streamed Live Online)
5 December 2020; From 5:00 PM
19 December 2020; 4:00 PM Channel 9 Televised Event
Enjoy the annual ‘Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols’ from the comfort of your own home. Broadcast live from the Riverstage on Saturday, 5 December, this Christmas event will host a variety of Australia’s most renowned singers and entertainers as they ignite the big stage with a magical and festive celebration.
'Santa and the Symphony' (Redcliffe Entertainment Centre)
6 December 2020; 2:00 PM
Don your best Santa hat and partake in a celebration of Santa’s jolly festivities. Moreton Bay Symphony Orchestra are proud to present an afternoon of melodies and magical music, with their end of year Christmas concert. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of festive fun. Tickets can be purchased through the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre Box Office.
'Jingle Bells Sucks Baubles' (Ad Astra)
9-20 December 2020; 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM & 4:00 PM Various Days
A light-hearted comedy, ‘Jingle Bells Sucks Baubles’ comes to Fortitude Valley’s Ad Astra this silly season. Reflecting on how our lives are forever changing, this play introduces us to the share-house of Max, Dani, Jayden, Tristan and Andre. It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a big year for the group. One that we’ve had to find ways to cope with the ups and downs. In this new festive romp, you’ll see why Christmas does indeed suck baubles.
'Love/Hate Actually' (Fortitude Valley's 'Element Collective')
11 December 2020; 7:30 PM
Amy thinks the 2003-film ‘Love Actually’ is the best thing about Christmas and love. Natalie thinks it’s manipulative crap. Cue a hilarious debate that’s part double-act, part film lecture and part game show. Back by popular demand for one-night only, join the skilfully comedic group, Act/React for a night of Christmas fun. This two-woman comedy showdown asks audiences whether ‘Love Actually’ is the ultimate romcom… what will you decide?
'Singing Into Christmas' (Sunnybank Community Centre)
12 December 2020; 6:00 PM
Anam Cara Productions is proud to present ‘Singing into Christmas’ – a Christmas concert designed to bring the magic and joy this holiday season. Featuring all your favourite Christmas Classics performed by local artists, including Mia Ambrosi, Fiona Buchanan, Laura Fois, Jessica Ham, Travis Holmes, Taylor Jaggard and Misha Jean.
'A Christmas Carol' (QPAC)
16 - 24 December 2020; Various Show Times
The beloved shake & stir theatre co are back with their award-winning production of Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. Brimming with music, comedy, love and festive joy, this classic tale is perfect for the entire family. The story centres around Christmas Eve, where Ebenezer Scrooge is spending his night like every other – hunched over his coals, counting his fortune and cursing the happiness of others. That’s until a few unexpected visitors, or should we say ghosts, come knocking on his door…
'Spirit of Christmas' (QPAC)
18-19 December 2020; 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Musical theatre stars Amy Lehpamer (‘School of Rock’, ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’) and Josh Piterman (‘Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’) will join a host of special guests in an uplifting concert, wonderfully supported by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dane Lam. A First Nations blessing and song will be delivered by Aunty Ruth Ghee, and feature the glorious voices of the QPAC Chamber Choir.
'Live! With Lynch & Paterson, Christmas Edition' (The Sideshow)
19 December 2020; 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Join Lynch & Paterson for a special Christmas edition of ‘Live!’. Featuring a group of Brisbane artists and a live band, this event will toast to the festive season with everyone’s most beloved carols. Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays with all our favourite L&P performers.
