From the extraordinary minds of Fat Fruit (Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews) and theatre luminary Susie Dee (co-creator and director), F Christmas is a new all-star variety show that gives the middle finger to capitalism and the overconsumption of the holiday season. Featuring aerial elves, a tap-dancing turkey, an off-brand Father Christmas and the carol hosts from hell, this wild and hilarious post-punk Christmas extravaganza lands at Malthouse from Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 15 December.
Somewhere between a hallucinogenic, camp Christmas fantasy and a perverse, apocalyptic nightmare, F Christmas unwraps toxic secular addictions while making room for alternative celebrations. Created by Fat Fruit (F Fabulous, Fart Fabulous, The Legend of Queen Kong), Susie Dee (Animal, Looking Glass, Big Heart, SHIT) and with a family of queers, rebels and runaways to boot – audiences are invited to kick back for an unforgettable yuletide variety show that agitates the festive season.
But it’s not just about bashing the holiday. Synonymous with past works from the creative team, real representation is front and centre as the Merlyn Theatre is transformed into a certified safe space for queer, non-binary, and trans audiences to celebrate an alternative Christmas together. A motley crew of performers crossing the worlds of music, dance, circus and cabaret come together to redefine what the holiday season means to them, sharing in a whole lot of fun, joy and merry catharsis.
The all-star ensemble features the familiar faces of returning Fu*k Fabulous alum including exuberant tap performer and choreographer Gabi Parton; comedic actor and improv performer John Marc Desengano; Jess Love who will enthrall audiences with singing, hula-hooping and side-show stunts; one half of Glitter and Snatch, Wai-Zea Man performing bungee skills; the skating menace that is Joh Fairly; aerialist and contortionist Seth Sladen; Nicci Wilks on her giant hula hoop; and proud Kamilaroi man and award-winning circus artist, Dale Woodbridge Brown.
Partners in art and life, Bec Matthews and Sarah Ward have worked as a collective since 2006 and officially adopted the name Fat Fruit in 2021. With an emphasis on queer, body positive and inclusive performance, the duo’s previous works include The Legend Of Queen Kong, a queer, rock show for Deaf, Hard Of Hearing and hearing audiences alike; The Rainbow Tree, musical storytelling, written in collaboration with 7 children from Rainbow Families; Fu*k Fabulous, a queer, punk variety show; and Fart Fabulous, an unapologetically queer variety show for all ages.
Serving as Co-Creator and Musical Director of F Christmas, Bec Matthews also stars in the showcase, appearing as F****ed Santa and Fossi the Snowman. Co-Creator and Performer Sarah Ward brings her award-winning cabaret talents to the stage too, appearing as a variety of twisted Christmas characters including an iconic demonic Carols host. A stalwart of Australian theatre, Susie Dee has worked extensively as a performer and director for the past forty years. The award-winning theatremaker continues her long standing relationship with Fat Fruit having previously worked on Fu*k Fabulous, Fart Fabulous and The Legend of Queen Kong.
Taking inspiration from gaudy Christmas detritus collected over the last 12 months and festive overconsumption, the show’s set and costume design is created entirely from salvaged, borrowed and upcycled materials by award-winning local designer Romanie Harper, whose recent design credits include Nosferatu, K-Box, Australian Realness, Trustees, Good Muslim Boy,Turbine and 8/8/8: WORK. Embracing the holiday chaos, Harper’s costume creations offer a camp twist on Christmas pageantry while the theatre itself is adorned with all the festive trimmings.
From the suffocating binaries of boys and girls, naughty and nice, to the joy, excess, greed, sharing, bringing people together, and tearing them apart, F Christmas shines a light on unwrapping secular traditions and laying them bare for all to see. At last, a holiday experience that truly sleighs.
Tickets are on sale via malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/season-2024/f-christmas.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
Previews: 7.30pm, Wednesday 27-Thursday 28 November
In-season: 6.30pm Tuesday-Wednesday, 7.30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2.00pm Saturday, 5.00pm Sunday
Time to Talk: 6.30pm, Tuesday 3 December
Auslan interpreted: 7.30pm, Thursday 12 December