I love a Christmas story as much as the next person – Love Actually, The Holiday, A Christmas Carol, I really can’t get enough!
At the same time, sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a good story that’s not quite so in-your-face, but still has a nice lil Christmas scene somewhere in the plot
So, here’s my round-up of non-Christmas theatre shows that will sate the annual need for festive content while also telling a great story.
Billy Elliot
Christmas festivities, song and dance and a cheeky but pointed political statement are the turning point in Billy Elliot, at once heartwarming, tragic and familiar.
Left: Kelley Abbey and Jamie Rogers in Billy Elliot the Musical. Photograph: James D Morgan
Rent
Christmas in Rent reminds us that there’s more to this season than overspending, not only surviving but celebrating the holidays despite living in near-poverty.
Right: The cast of Rent. Photograph: Prudence Upton
Jagged Little Pill
Christmastime bookends this raw and compelling story, marking the passage of time and changes each of the characters go through.
Left: Cast of Jagged Little Pill the Musical Sydney cast. Production Photography: Matt Murphy
Annie
An oldie but a goodie, you have to wait till the end of the story for the big Christmas scene – but it’s worth the wait, marking new beginnings and hope.
Right: A scene from the hit 1977 Broadway musical Annie.
Toasting Aussie Theatre 