Previewing next Wednesday 14 September is Boxing Day, a new work at the Old Fitz written by Phil Spencer and directed by Scarlet McGlynn. We had a chat to the dynamic duo about the project (which is currently being developed through a QSS Performing Arts Residency at Heffron Hall).

Boxing Day previews in just two weeks. Tell us about the show!

It’s the day after Christmas in the seaside town of Rainwood. Nana can smelt burnt chicken, Dad is glued to the TV and Freya, as always, has a mystery to solve. Like any normal ten-year-old girl, Freya Stanley loves Pictionary, Pig Latin and 80’s slasher movies. BOXING DAY is her story — a darkly comic tale where imagination reigns, and a little girl will do whatever it takes to keep her family together.

Phil, you studied and have had plays produced in Glasgow and the UK, what’s different about the theatre industry in Australia?

I can’t really comment on the Australian industry as a whole but my experience of the Sydney scene has been fantastic. Right now there are some incredibly talented theatre makers producing some really exciting stuff here.

You have to have your shit together in Sydney to make your own work, you have to make it, produce it, smile for the camera and drag folks along.

This DIY attitude is something that breeds resilient, progressive and innovative theatre making. That said there should be more funds available to assist the development of new work and emerging artists, it’s worrying to hear talk of the Arts NSW quick response grants being axed, that’s completely the wrong direction to be moving in!

What else can we expect from Tin Shed in the near future?

As soon as BOXING DAY closes we’ll be taking Phil’s one man comedy show BLUEY to the Melbourne Fringe (Oct 1 — Oct 8), then we’ll take a break before we both start work on solo shows for THE HORSES MOUTH FESTIVAL (Nov 22 — Dec 17) at The Old Fitzroy Theatre.

Tin Shed have two double passes to giveaway to the Boxing Day preview next Wednesday 14 September. Email julia@queenstreetstudio.com and the winners will be notified. Otherwise, you can catch Boxing Day at the Old Fitzroy Theatre from 14 September — 1 October. Click here for info & bookings.

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