Black Swan State Theatre Company’s premiere of Carol is the kind of Christmas show that sneaks up on you. On the surface, it’s a festive West Australian romp complete with tinsel, Christmas spirit, and plenty of laughs. But underneath the Santa hats and elf shoes lies something deeply grounded in reality: a raw, honest exploration of what it means to be a woman in her sixties navigating loss, invisibility, a love of evening talkback radio and the fight for dignity.
Carol is a woman who lives and breathes Christmas – born on 25 December, she is the centre of the universe on her day. Christmas is hers to give away. But this year, Carol’s story departs from the norm. Widowed, financially unstable, and living in a van in the Innaloo shopping centre car park, Carol’s world has crumbled – and no one has noticed.
CAROL. Photography by Daniel J Grant.
The play doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities: she’s lost her husband, her house, and seemingly her purpose. Her son, unable or unwilling to step up, can only think about the BCF voucher he would like for Christmas and his fear of his wife’s family calendar. It’s a story that reflects what we all know to be true – women in their sixties are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia. Disempowered and disenfranchised from their finances for decades by their partners; and denied access to modern technology by their children for fear of falling prey to scams.
CAROL. Photography by Daniel J Grant.
Yet playwright Andrea Gibbs, known for her sharp wit and authentic dialogue, ensures ‘Carol’ never becomes a sad fest. The humour is generous, genuine and self-referential, offering moments of lightness that feel earned rather than forced – even if it invokes the Christmas cliches we all know and… love. As Gibbs herself notes, laughter becomes a survival mechanism – a way of saying ‘it’s tough, but we’re still here’. The Christmas setting adds warmth and nostalgia, whilst the musical elements give the production an extra layer of cheer.
Carol is funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. It’s a reminder that behind every festive light facade, there are real struggles and real strength. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the festive period with your parents, partner or friends – whether they’re a grinch or Christmas die hard.
Carol presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company is on at the Heath Ledger Theatre from 22 Nov – 14 Dec.