Kooky karaoke will come to the fore at Phoenix Theatre this December, as part of a Christmas production full of mirth, merriment and mayhem.
Presented by A lad in sane productions and written and directed by John Grimshaw, The Karaoke Twist Christmas Special is a traditional but modern take on boy-meets-girl romances.
The story follows Paul, who is depressed with life – but his friend Matt refuses to spend another Christmas with his self-pitying mate and tries to find him a girlfriend by getting them involved in a karaoke competition.
“It has a happy ending and lots of pantomime-style silliness along the way,” Grimshaw said. “There’s also a poke in the eye at the rampant commercialism of Christmas.”
Grimshaw said his inspiration for the play stemmed from a send-up of a Proclaimers song in a charity review.
“The idea of holding a karaoke competition where the contestants had to parody a well-known song came into my head and it all went from there,” he said.
The Karaoke Twist originally debuted in 2006, quickly followed by the Christmas version, which has been revived for Phoenix Theatre in 2009.
Grimshaw opted to direct The Karaoke Twist Christmas Special again because it was previously well-received by audiences and is a fun piece of theatre to stage.
“For this production, we have a brand new cast, full of enthusiasm for the project.
“My one concern was that our new cast members wouldn’t match the standards set by previous casts but our rehearsals have shown that I have nothing to fear.
“We’re confident that patrons coming along to see the show will leave the theatre with a smile on their faces, a warm glow in their hearts and a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.”
The Karaoke Twist Christmas Special plays at 8pm December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 with 3pm matinees on December 6 and 13. Tickets are $20, $15 concession – book on 9414 6949. For further event information, email phoenix-theatre-inc@hotmail.com
December 3 is also a special fundraiser for Teen Challenge, a drug rehabilitation program, and $5 from each ticket sold will go to the organisation.
Phoenix Theatre is located on the corner of Rockingham Road and Carrington Street within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.
