SHOWTIME: F@#k Christmas with Bec Matthews and Sarah Ward

SHOWTIME with Andrew G

WARNING: This podcast contains mildly explicit language.

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F@#k 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@#k 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 shou 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 F@#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.

Bec Matthews, Co-creator, Musical Director and Performer

Bec is a Percussionist, Drummer, Performer, Teacher, Musical Director, Sound Designer, Noisemaker, Theatre Maker and Mischief Maker with a Bachelor of Music (orchestral percussion) from the Victorian College of the Arts.

Bec toured as a permanent member of the Circus Oz ensemble from 2010 to 2014, is co-creator of the multi award-winning act Yana Alana and Tha Paranas and Musical Director, Sound Designer and Access Coordinator for Queen Kong and the HOMOsapiens.

Bec is one half of Independent Arts Company Fat Fruit, who focus on creating work with and for queer communities. Past shows include Fuck Fabulous, Fart Fabulous, The Rainbow Tree and Testing, Testing, One Two.

Bec is a regular collaborator with The Flying Fruit Fly Circus in the capacity of Sound Designer, Musical Director and Song Writing Mentor and has worked with MTC, VCA, Reuben Kaye, Women’s Circus, Melbourne Workers Theatre, Hayes Theatre, Musica Viva and The Funatorium.

Sarah Ward, Co-creator and Performer

Sarah is a cabaret artist and one half of independent arts company Fat Fruit. Sarah was awarded a Helpmann for her cabaret character Yana Alana and along with her creative team have 11 Green Room Awards. Sarah is a recipient of the 2022 Australia Council For Arts Fellowship Grant and is currently focusing on researching and implementing relaxed performance models.

Sarah has spent the past 4 years collaborating with Deaf artist Asphyxia to make music accessible to d/Deaf audiences. Sarah performed in the Dee and Cornelius play SHIT, which received 4 Green Room Awards and Best Independent Theatre Production at the Sydney Theatre Awards. She has toured with Circus OZ, La Soiree, Finucane and Smith, Retro-Futuristmas, Yummy, Arena Theatre Company, Hayes Theatre, Melbourne Workers Theatre and The Women’s Circus. Sarah was also a co-creator of cult cabaret act, Sista She, which was popular for creating feminist, queer, hip-hop.