December 6 - 22
Good Time Theatrics and JB Theatre Co presents
SNOWFLAKE
Written by Mike Bartlett
Directed by Jo Bradley
An AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
A play for anyone who has ever had a fight about politics at family Christmas.
It’s Christmas Eve. Andy hasn’t heard from his daughter in three years. She moved out, cut ties with him and the last time they spoke, it did not end well. But Christmas is the perfect time for a family reunion… right? Compelled to do a grand gesture, Andy hires a church hall, decorates it for Christmas and invites her. Will she show?
PRAISE FOR SNOWFLAKE:
★★★★½ – Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★½ – Limelight
★★★★½ – StageNoise
★★★★½ – Cultural Binge
★★★★ – Time Out
Winner of a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in an Independent Production for Lilian Alejandra Valverde
Nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Newcomer for Lilian Alejandra Valverde
Named in Theatre Thoughts’ “Top 10 Best Sydney Theatre Shows of 2024”
Sold-Out Season with New Performances Added
Synopsis:
From UK playwright Mike Bartlett (Albion, King Charles III, Doctor Foster) comes an intimate and bittersweet Christmas story about generational conflict, directed by Jo Bradley (SEEN, Young Bodies/Somebody’s).
Snowflake was written in response to Brexit, however Bartlett’s play feels more current than ever as it challenges how we talk about politics in the 21st century. It’s not a play about Brexit— it’s a play about family estrangement and generational differences. In the wake of Trump’s 2024 win and the upcoming Australian Federal Election, this play will resonate with anyone who has ever had a fight about politics at Christmas.
“A poignant story of an estranged father and daughter that becomes a much wider study of generational conflict” – The Guardian
Cast and Creative Team:
Playwright: Mike Bartlett
Director: Jo Bradley
Producers: Kurtis Laing & Jo Bradley
Assistant Director & Assistant Producer: Josephine Lee
Marketing Manager: Lily Hensby
Stage Manager: Tom Howieson
Set Designer: Soham Apte
Sound Designer: Daniel Herten
Lighting Designer: Luna Ng
Marketing Photography: Mikayla Grosse
Cast (of 3): James Lugton, Lilian Alejandra Valverde, Claudia Elbourne
Production Photography by Robert Miniter:
Critical Reception:
“Director Jo Bradley has created a little Christmas miracle of a premiere.… Do go.”
– Harriet Cunningham, Sydney Morning Herald ★★★★½
“Directed by Jo Bradley, this is a perfectly poised and paced production and convincingly performed.”
– Jason Blake, Limelight ★★★★½
“Directed by Jo Bradley, Snowflake is a first class entertainment – engaging, erudite, funny and provocative. A cracker.”
– Richard Cotter, Australian Stage
“Jo Bradley deftly directs this production…Snowflake is a brilliant and tender portrait of a real, loving, messy father, and a real, loving, messy daughter.
– Charlotte Smee, TimeOut ★★★★
“As Andy, Lugton is gripping and honest…Valverde’s Natalie is astounding. The east London accent is difficult to nail at the best of times, but Valverde’s never falters nor lands into a stereotype and instead embodies Bartlett’s vision of the middle ground we should hope to be.
At a time of the year when Christmas miracles can happen, the hope that we are left with at the end of Snowflake will induce tears. We’re left with a hefty slice of realism that tells of the important conversations we need as large political ripples shape the western world. The potential that these discussions, ideas and values have to invade our family structures is laid before us when neither side refuses to budge. It’s emotionally gripping stuff and one to put in your Christmas stocking this festive season.”
⁃ Justin Clarke, Theatre Thoughts
“What happens, over 105 enthralling minutes, is a series of twists and turns of drama, comedy, and deeply touching connection and disconnection. Snowflake is a generational and political clash yet also palpably human and entertaining. James Lugton is superb as the unlikely hero of dreadful dad-ness…Biggest surprise, however, is the discovery of a major new talent in Lilian Alejandra Valverde: fresh out of NIDA, and with subtle acting smarts and a north London glottal stop that signal a huge future.
Snowflake is yet more brilliant theatre in an unusually rich end-of-year in Sydney. As usual – don’t miss it.
– Diana Simmonds, StageNoise ★★★★½
“This isn’t a play about arguments or point-scoring; it’s about our own human emotional needs and our blind spots.
James Lugton is the heart and soul of the show as Andy, delivering a first act that consists of a single monologue with finesse.
All three (cast) are perfect…Jo Bradley’s direction keeps things grounded, focused on the performances, and the show is all the better for it.”
⁃ Chad Armstrong, Cultural Binge ★★★★½
Jo Bradley 