Never underestimate an 80-year-old. They’ve got a lot less to lose.

For our final Theatre Group outing for 2025 join us for the WORLD PREMIERE of Merry & Bright at Hayes Theatre Co.

Shirley has been playing Mrs. Claus at David Jones for 40 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.

DATE: 9 December 2025

TIME: TBC

VENUE: Hayes Theatre Company, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Elizabeth Bay

TICKETS: Purchase your ticket at the Hayes Box Office at [email protected] or Tel 8065 7337
Convenor Cherry Spoor has purchased tickets

PRE-PERFORMANCE (Optional): Hayes Theatre Bar & Foyer is open one hour before the show and at interval

RSVP TO: Cherry Spoor at [email protected]