Festive Retail Romp on Perth Stage

CHRISTMAS shopping is being put under the spotlight this December with a light-hearted, music-filled festive romp.

Presented by Dark Psychic Productions at Phoenix Theatre, Hamilton Hill, WA, A Retailer’s Christmas is a comedy musical following the adventures of retail staff during their busiest time of the year.

The show, written by Rebecca Coutts-Smith who is co-directing the production with Ryan S. McNally, looks at what really happens when customers ask staff to “check out the back”.

“The story revolves around workers at a gift emporium who, after having their Christmas party cancelled by the store’s owner, take it upon themselves to throw a bigger and better party,” McNally said.

“We’ve incorporated several acts into the show, including a stand-up comedian, burlesque dancer and comedic singer, to make it cabaret-style.

“The seating has also been arranged that way with tables of four, six and eight, plus individual seating, available.”

McNally created Dark Psychic Productions in 2012, producing five shows and three showcases over the past two years, with several staged at Phoenix Theatre.

“With A Retailer’s Christmas, we just wanted to stage something that would deliver a fun-filled, festive atmosphere,” he said. “It’s a humorous take on working in a retail store at Christmas.”

The show marks Coutts-Smith’s debut a playwright.

“I’ve been involved in the theatre on and off since high school and now I’ve begun the great adventure of starting a writing career,” she said.

“It’s been a blast working with everyone at Dark Psychic Productions and Phoenix Theatre and I truly appreciate all the hard work, dedication and support being thrown into the production.”

Coutts-Smith said the show was also a sibling act with younger brother Alex, a winner at the 2013 Finley Awards for lighting Eurobeat, supplying light and sound.

A Retailer’s Christmasplays at 8pm December 18, 19 and 20 with a 2pm matinee December 20. Tickets are $25, $20 concession plus transaction fees – book at www.trybooking.com/GBXM  or on 0422 394 749.

Please note: parental guidance is recommended due to mild sexual references and coarse language. Flashing lights and hazing effects will also be used.

All proceeds from program and raffle sales are being donated to the Murdoch Community Hospice (www.sjog.org.au/hospitals/murdoch_hospice.aspx).

Phoenix Theatre is located at 435 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Memorial Hall.

Images:  Retail staff – played Anthony Smith, left, Allira Humberstone, Aimee Nicholls, Ryan S. McNally, Sylvia Mellor and Shaun Griffin – show what really happens when customers ask staff to “check out the back” in A Retailer’s Christmas &  Liv (Liv Szulgowski) is a shop employee who teams up with her colleagues  to throw their own Christmas party in A Retailer’s Christmas after management cancels the official one. Pictures The Sneaky Photographer