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Merry & Bright at the Hayes Theatre


WORLD PREMIERE

Shirley has been playing Mrs. Claus at David Jones for forty years. Ever since she landed the role from a cattle call in 1983 out at a warehouse in Mascot, she’s taken pride and joy in taping down the white wig, patting on the rouge, and blowing the dust off her sparkling one-liners to delight children and parents as Santa’s finest off-sider. But this year, she turns up to work in early November, and is unceremoniously given her notice. Mrs Claus, say The Management, is “lacking in relevance”.

A devastated Shirley decides to pick herself up and do battle on the fourth floor of David Jones – battling Millennial elves, screaming children and men-in-suits who feel she’s simply not up to it anymore. It’s a fight for survival, and Shirley resolves to arm herself with the relevant data and the appropriate KPIs to front the board and make it known she’s not going anywhere.

The incomparable Nancye Hayes weaves her magic in this new play with music, crafted specially for her by award-winning playwright Jordan Shea.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 28 November - 21 December 2025

  • Times:
    Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
    Thursday 1:00pm
    Saturday 2:00pm
    Sunday 1:00pm & 5:00pm

    *No matinee performance on Sat 29 Nov
    *No matinee performance on Thu 4 Dec
    *Post show Q&A on Wed 10 Dec
    *Captioned performance on Wed 17 Dec

  • Duration: Approx. 75 minutes – no interval

  • Ages: Not specified

  • Location: Hayes Theatre

  • Warnings: Some strong language, and references to drugs and alcohol.
    Use of theatrical haze and flashing lights.

  • Notes:
    Wheelchair Accessible
    Captioned Performance - WED 17 DEC

More info & tickets here.