Mama Does Derby

At the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as part of the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Mama Does Derby delivers a thrilling, heartfelt and astonishingly well-executed theatrical experience. Created by Clare Watson and Virginia Gay and directed by Watson, this production blends theatre, music and roller derby into a seamless and electrifying performance that leaves the audience exhilarated. It is bold, energetic, emotionally resonant and without doubt an unforgettable highlight of the festival.

At its core, Mama Does Derby tells the story of Billie, a teenage girl navigating the turbulence of adolescence while grappling with her wonderfully complicated relationship with her fiercely independent mother, Maxine. The pair arrive in a new town after a blustery chapter in their lives, hoping for a fresh start. Billie longs for stability, while Maxine struggles with the idea of slowing down. Their relationship becomes increasingly strained until Maxine discovers an unlikely outlet… roller derby. As she throws herself into the fast-paced, seemingly rebellious sport, both mother and daughter are forced to confront their fears, frustrations and the unspoken truths that have been driving them apart. What unfolds is a story about resilience, identity and the often messy, but always powerful, bond between parent and child.

This production flowed with extraordinarily impressive precision. Every ‘prop’ arriving exactly where it needed to be at the precise moment it needed to be there and many of the ‘props’ were delivered to the actors by the Adelaide Roller Derby skaters – while on skates! Every scene transition slid effortlessly into the next with sets moved perfectly by the skaters who were the pulse behind the transitions - a fearless feat that was so impressive I often found myself lost in the transitions rather than watching the performance – which was equally impressive! Every musical interlude landed with perfect timing culminating in a performance that never stalled; instead, it moved with the same thrilling momentum as the derby skaters. So many ‘wow’ moments that this production was, without question, a masterclass in stage direction, management and choreography. All of this was brought seamlessly together to create an entire production that was akin to a finely tuned machine running at full throttle.

A large part of that success lies with the remarkable integration of the roller derby athletes themselves. Members of the Adelaide Roller Derby League do far more than provide spectacle as they actively shape the performance, manipulating the moving parts of the set driving the action forward with astonishing precision. Watching them weave the theatrical storytelling together with high-level skating skill was genuinely breathtaking. Their speed, confidence and control on skates brought an authenticity and visceral energy that I have only ever witnessed once before in Andrew Loyd Webber’s Starlight Express. This was a massive achievement for the Windmill Production Company.

The acting ensemble was equally impressive. Amber McMahon delivered a powerful performance as Maxine, capturing both the chaotic spirit and emotional vulnerability of a mother trying to reclaim her sense of self. Elvy-Lee Quici is superb as Billie, bringing sincerity and depth to a character caught between adolescence and adulthood. Supporting performances from Antoine Jelk, Annabel Matheson, Aud Mason-Hyde and Dylan Miller added a wonderful vitality throughout the production.

A particular highlight was Benjamin Hancock as Nathan, the demon. This was a delightfully unexpected character who injects humour, menace and theatrical flair into the story. His presence adds an imaginative layer that elevates the narrative into something truly distinctive…not to mention the most impressive flexibility demonstrated by this glamorous and likeable character!

Under the superb direction of Clare Watson, every element of the production works in harmony. The set design, live music, choreography and storytelling interlock beautifully, creating a show that feels both intimate and spectacular.

In short, Mama Does Derby is a triumph. It is daring, joyful and meticulously crafted theatre. It is an exhilarating celebration of storytelling, sport and the extraordinary talent of Adelaide’s artistic community. A production that should not be missed!

Peta Bojanic

Photographer: Tony Lewis