Andrea Gibbs’ new play Carol balances an affectionate, knockabout celebration of festive rituals with a bleak portrait of a woman discovering that her marriage was largely a lie – and that her now-deceased husband’s gambling debts are about to make her homeless.

Black Swan’s production is directed by Adam Mitchell and performed by an ensemble led by Sally-Ann Upton as Carol, supported by Bruce Denny, Isaac Diamond and Ruby Henaway, who take on multiple roles –including playing in a live skiffle band.

Pianist and musical director Jackson Harper Griggs also plays one of several elves recruited from the stage crew.

Mark Storen acts as MC and narrator-commentator, playing Santa as a very Aussie, working-class figure whose direct address to the audience adds to the pantomime feeling. He also provides sung interludes, complete with soaring, ironic vocals.

Sally-Ann Upton and Mark Storen in Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Carol. Photo © Daniel J Grant

The production’s tongue-in-cheek fun is boxed up in a glorious chocolate-box set from Lucy Birkinshaw, with eye-poppingly bright splashes of crimson, green, tartan, tinsel, lights and more....