“SANTA, Santa! Where are you?”
That’s the cry echoing through Ipswich this festive season as local kids are called in to help solve the biggest festive mystery of all – the disappearance of the man in red!
It’s all part of this year’s delightfully silly Christmas pantomime from Ipswich’s much-loved Daytime Theatre Troupe, the long-running group that’s been spreading laughter and sparkle across the region for more than 40 years.
The annual Christmas shows are a treasured local tradition – and this one promises to be a merry mix of music, mischief and a dash of Christmas magic.
Written and directed by the endlessly creative Kay McAllan, a Daytime Theatre Troupe stalwart and all-round theatrical whirlwind, Santa, Santa! Where Are You? is set to deliver plenty of laughs, singalongs and a few cheeky surprises along the way.
Expect a stage full of twinkling lights, mischievous elves, maybe a runaway reindeer or two – and of course, plenty of audience participation as the hunt for Santa heats up.
Performances will be held at the Jean Pratt Building, part of the Incinerator Theatre Complex at Queens Park (off Griffith Road). It’s a cosy, family-friendly venue with plenty of parking and wheelchair access – the perfect spot to escape the heat and soak up some Christmas cheer.
This joyful show has been tailor-made for little ones aged three to eight, running a breezy 50 minutes – just long enough to keep tiny attention spans enchanted without a single “Are we done yet?” in sight.
Kids are encouraged to sing, shout, and laugh along as they help save Christmas, while parents can enjoy a hearty dose of nostalgia and a few sly winks for grown-ups.
A public matinee will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 10am, with extra sessions available for kindy and school groups.
Tickets are just $8 per person, and yes, adults need to come too – because even Santa likes a full house.
After the show, families can meet the colourful cast, snap some festive photos, and maybe even spot the man of the hour if he’s finally found.
So grab your elf hats, rally the reindeer and join Ipswich’s favourite theatre troupe for a holly-jolly adventure.
Bookings are essential – call Marie Mortimer on 0461 427 573 or email daytimetheatretroupebookings@ilt.org.au.
