Carol by Black Swan State Theatre Company

Mark Storen (as Santa) and Sally-Anne Upton (as Carol)
Carol by Black Swan State Theatre Company
Photo Credit: Daniel J Grant

Being in the beautiful Heath Ledger Theatre is always a bit of a treat. But seeing that lone Christmas tree on the corner of the stage when we went to check out playwright Andrea Gibbs’ new show Carol, was a reminder that the holidays are rapidly approaching and I’m not ready.

I mean, most of us aren’t, right? It’s not just me?

Enter Santa (played by Mark Storen) – but this ain’t your kids’ folk hero. Here, Santa is more sweary bogan larrikin than jolly old Father Christmas. But as he points out after making the front rows vaguely uncomfortable (FYI there’s audience interaction, be ready for it) – this is not Santa’s story. He’s just the gun-toting, fourth wall-breaking commentator.

Titular character Carol (played by Sally-Anne Upton) was born on Christmas Day some 60 years ago. All her life she’s been keeping things running smoothly with a smile on her face, being the good girl, wife and mum. Now the festive season is upon us again, and Carol’s adult son Dean (one of the multiple roles Isaac Diamond takes on) is expecting his mother to take care of the family like she always does.

But this year is different. Carol’s husband has passed, and Carol is faced with the cruel realisation that all he left her was a broken heart and a mountain of debt. She tries to continue as she always has, humouring dim-witted Dean as he whines about his wife and kids, and assuring him she’s happy to host the traditional Christmas lunch the way he likes it… but as Christmas Day approaches, we watch Carol’s gift-wrapped façade slowly unravel.

Gibbs’ script is rooted in reality – older women over 55 are the fastest growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia, and the holidays are a particularly difficult time for many people in our community. 

The heartbreak underscoring this production is, however, tempered by moments of genuine hilarity. All of it is anchored by Upton’s beautifully earnest performance, relatably funny and tragic in turn. I found myself more and more invested in Carol’s story as the play went on, cheering on her wins and mourning her losses.

Carol, presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company, is on at the State Theatre Centre of WA until 14 December.

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