Did you know we’ve been doing this for 8 years!?!? What the f*ck. Amazing! First and foremost, thank you to the incredible actors, creatives and production team who work on this show. Without you this show wouldn’t happen year after year. Dan Venz - you are beyond incredible and I’m so grateful you came on board back in 2017 to do this show. Thank you to all the performers and creatives over the years who’ve made this show what it is. There are countless to name!
Thank you to Claire, who’s been with the company a year now and has championed this Queensland made work, always going above and beyond!
Chi, thank you for being the marketing dream queen, love love love you!
To our originating performers Aurélie Roque, Emily Kristopher and Stephen Hirst who’ve been here since 2017. Thank you for coming back year on year to deliver amazing and new writing and performances - the show wouldn’t be the same without you!
Matthew Semple for always coming up with hilarious content for the show. It’s been 8 years you’ve been working on this and we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you to all our creatives, Alister, Emily, Ben, Joshie, Declan, Trent, Marcello, Isaac and his team of costume makers and of course our SM teams in both cities!
Thank you to the one and only Joel Devereux for images to post to the high heavens, the brilliant design work from Sean and the team at Dowling Design, Optikal Bloc for the videos so we can rave about our show, Bambrick Media (in particular Jen Jasmine) for telling Brisbane to come and see this show, Megan and Jess at SCA for being legends, Kris Stewart for giving us the chance to put this show on back in 2017. Thank you to the team at La Boite and Christian at Cross Promotions.
In Melbourne we need to thank the amazing team at The Alex and in particular Allan who helped us get this show into their gorgeous space and Patrick and the team at Fever for taking a leap and working with us for the first time.
And duh! The audience!
Thanks for coming back year after year to enjoy the silly season in the best possible way.
Since 2016, Woodward Productions has been bringing world-class theatre to audiences in Queensland, Australia, and internationally. With a passion for “gateway theatre,” we aim to attract new audience members and tell stories that reflect our diverse Australian communities.
OUR PRODUCTIONS
We are proud of our extensive repertoire, which includes over 20 musicals, concerts, and plays. Our standout works include the thrilling Sherlock HolmesThe Mystery of the Valkyrie, the comedic hit A Very Naughty Christmas (returning for its eighth consecutive year in Australia and London in 2024), the bold Plied and Prejudice, and Caroline O’Connor’s concert From Broadway With Love. Other notable productions include Boys of Sondheim (Brisbane and Sydney), Weathering Well (24-date regional QLD tour), and the Australian premiere of Yank! A WWII Love Story as part of Brisbane’s MELT Festival.
Recently, we successfully concluded the Australian tour of The Woman in Black, which welcomed over 75,000 audience members across eight cities. We also serve as General Managers and Executive Producers for Prospero Arts, overseeing productions like Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at QPAC, and we are thrilled to collaborate on the Australian premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher with esteemed international production houses.
OUR VISION
With a commitment to delivering exceptional theatre experiences, Woodward Productions continues to push creative boundaries and engage audiences worldwide through innovative and diverse productions.
WOODWARD PRODUCTIONS
ALEX WOODWARD
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CREATOR
Alex Woodward is an accomplished producer with nearly two decades of experience in Queensland’s performing arts scene. As the driving force behind Woodward Productions, he has have established himself as a leader in creating dynamic and engaging theatrical experiences.
Notable productions include the critically acclaimed Australian tour of The Woman in Black, which captivated over 75,000 audience members, and the Brisbane hit Plied and Prejudice, which showcased the companies talent for producing innovative, audiencefocused work. Each year, the companies adults-only Christmas sensation A Very Naughty Christmas draws sell-out crowds, cementing its reputation as a seasonal must-see.
In 2024, Alex expanded internationally with a London production of A Very Naughty Christmas, a career-defining opportunity that underscores their growing global impact. With a proven track record of audience growth and creative excellence, they are committed to furthering the reach and success of Queensland theatre on a global stage and continuing to create “gateway theatre”.
DAN VENZ
CREATOR, GLOBAL DIRECTION & CHOREOGRAPHY
Dan Venz’s passion for the stage began in preschool, directing and starring in his own sandpit productions. After a 12-year hiatus, he launched his professional career with Raw Dance Company, touring Australia as a dancer in Urban Wonderland. Onstage, Dan has captivated audiences in roles such as Hanschen (Spring Awakening), Tinman (The Wizard of Oz), Atreyu (The Neverending Story), Skimbleshanks (Cats), and in the BOY&GIRL cabaret series, alongside various corporate and festival performances. Offstage, Dan is a celebrated director, choreographer, and movement director. His credits include movement direction for Queensland Theatre’s First Casualty, Shake and Stir Theatre Company’s James and the Giant Peach and Fourteen
Dan’s work with Woodward Productions is particularly notable. He has been the movement director for Plied and Prejudice and choreographed Sweet Charity and Yank!
A WWII Love Story. Since 2017, Dan has also been the lead director and choreographer for A Very Naughty Christmas, further cementing his reputation as an innovative force in musical theatre and cabaret.
CLAIRE DIX
PRODUCER AND GENERAL MANAGER
Claire joined Woodward Productions in 2023 as Associate Producer and General Manager. In 2024 she helped deliver Jersey Boys at QPAC, The Woman in Black Tour and Produced and Managed the season of Plied and Prejudice in Northshore Hamilton.
Claire has a Bachelor of Music and a background in delivering incredible events with festivals around the country, including Producing Brisbane Festival’s Salamander, delivering Perth Festival’s Bjork concert and multiple seasons of Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Claire brings her passion for events and commitment to delivering exciting and engaging works to Brisbane. She is passionate about making Brisbane and Queensland a hub for creative arts and events.
A VERY NAUGHTY HISTORY
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 2017, DOWNSTAIRS IN THE VISY THEATRE AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
IN 2018 THE SHOW CONTINUED AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND WELCOMED 2000 PATRONS
IN 2019 THE SHOW MOVED AWAY FROM HAVING A STORYLINE AND BECOME MORE OF THE VARIETY COMEDY CONCERT IT IS TODAY
IN 2020 WITH NEW COVID RESTRICTIONS ON AUDIENCE CAPACITY WE MOVED INTO THE POWERHOUSE THEATRE AND WE WERE THE VENUE’S BEST ATTENDED SHOW OF 2020.
IN 2021 WE CONTINUED UPSTAIRS AT THE BRISBANE |POWERHOUSE TO OUR BIGGEST AUDIENCES EVER.
IN 2022 WE TOOK A HUGE LEAP OF FAITH AND MOVED THE SHOW TO THE ROUNDHOUSE THEATRE, LA BOITE IN ORDER TO PUT THE SHOW BACK INTO A 3 SIDED SETTING.
QUEENSLAND CAST
ANTHONY CRAIG
Anthony Craig is a versatile performer and multi-instrumentalist, known for his banjo playing, character work and comic flair. After completing a Musical Theatre degree at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2014, he went on to gain international experience in feature films and on stage. Recent credits include Elvis: A Musical Revolution (DVE), Once (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), The Grinning Man (Salty Theatre), The Gruffalo’s Child (CDP Productions), Into the Woods (Watch This), Ernani (Opera Australia) and feature film Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp (Universal). He starred in the one-man show Private Peaceful (MLP) and was nominated for ‘Best Actor in an Independent Production’ at the 2020 Green Room Awards. In 2020, Anthony also created the award-winning children’s entertainment group Story Surprise with his wife Lauren. They have the time of their lives producing music, videos and live performances for families all over the world. Anthony is proudly represented by Ian White Management.
AURÉLIE ROQUE
Originally from the States, Aurélie studied Vocal Performance and Dance at the UMKC Conservatory before moving to Brisbane almost 10 years ago. Some of her reviewed performances include Glinda in The Wizard Of Oz Arena Spectacular Australian tour, Morticia Addams in the Brisbane premiere of The Addams Family Musical, Leading Player in Pippin, Joanne in the 20th Anniversary of Rent, Susan in [Title of Show], Madame Peacock in Cluedo, A Very Naughty Christmas, and Uncle in Boy&Girl. In the past few years, Aurélie entertained international audiences with her most recent cabaret Ruby Slipper Chronicles, choreographed for the 24 Hour Musical Project, Prima’s Spamalot, the Brisbane premiere of Big Fish The Musical, as well as several shows in Taiwan. She has also performed alongside such notable performers as Rue McClanahan, Clay Aiken, Simon Gallaher, and Nancye Hayes.
DANIEL ERBACHER (DANCE CAPTAIN)
Originally from Toowoomba, Daniel is a versatile performer and choreographer. He graduated from The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (now QAEMT) with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2021.
Daniel is currently in the Australian production of Grease The Musical (Crossroads Live) Other credits include the role of Rocky in The 50th Anniversary production of Richard O’Brien’s - The Rocky Horror Show (Crossroads Live). Other credits include Dance Captain for the Australian premiere of Cruel Intentions The 90s Musical (David Venn Enterprises); and A Very Naughty Christmas (Woodward Productions). As well as a performer, Daniel also works as choreographer throughout Southeast Queensland.
EMILY KRISTOPHER
Meet Emily Kristopher, a Brisbane-based comedy dynamo and stage sensation. She’s been lighting up A Very Naughty Christmas for seven unforgettable years, and in 2023, she stole the show at the Brisbane Comedy Festival with Two Man Tarantino. Beyond the stage, Emily shines on social media with her hilarious skits, and as a YouTube star on the popular channel Crackermilk. Her comedy contributions have made her a beloved figure and a rising online sensation. When she’s not commanding the stage or the internet, you might catch her lending her voice to commercials on tv and radio, and starring in various other ad campaigns.
QUEENSLAND CAST
LACHLAN GREENLAND
Lachlan studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre. Whilst studying, he had the pleasure of performing alongside musical theatre legends such as Patti LuPone and Lucy Durack. Lachlan was a finalist in one of Australia’s most esteem Musical Theatre competitions, and has previously performed for Dreamworld Australia, Village Roadshows, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. A technical singer, dancer, and aerialist, Lachlan was the Vocal and Aerial Captain across multiple contracts and most recently played Nikko (cover Tinman) in The Wizard of Oz (RCCL). Returning to Brisbane this year, Lachlan is very excited to join the team of A Very Naughty Christmas!
LAUREN JIMMIESON
Lauren is an established theatre performer, choreographer and children’s entertainer. Recently, she wrapped up performing in Elvis: a Musical Revolution (David Venn Enterprises). Previously, Lauren was a swing in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Opera Australia). After studying Musical Theatre at Griffith, Lauren toured Australia and Japan with Singin’ in the Rain (Michael Cassel Group) and went on to Dance Captain productions of Bright Star (Pursued by Bear) and Sweeney Todd (Life Like Company). From 2018 to 2021, Lauren toured internationally with Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol Live! as the Associate Choreographer. In 2020, Lauren & her husband Anthony created the award winning children’s group, Story Surprise which creates music, videos and live performances for children all over the world. Lauren is stoked to be swapping the fun kids host persona for something much naughtier this Christmas and seriously advises the Story Surprise parents to leave their kids at home for this one…
TAYLAH FERGUSON
Taylah is an experienced performer with over a decade of performance credits expanding across the globe. Taylah began her career working upon Norwegian Cruise Line, completing 7 contracts as a production dancer, dance captain and an aerialist understudy. She then took up residency in Germany at the award-winning cabaret theatre the Alexander Kunz Theatre & the Palazzo Mannheim. Since returning home she has worked extensively in the cabaret show Finesse Burlesque and A Very Naughty Christmas since 2021.
STEVE ROOKE
Steven has been around the traps for more years than he cares to admit. Having worked for companies like shake & stir, Queensland Theatre, La Boite, Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare among others, he is having to now come to terms with the idea of being a ‘senior artist’. The grey in his beard is only helping to cement this fact.
He has endlessly flirted with the film, television and advertising mediums, but will always come home to his true love - the stage.
Steven is a 3-time Matilda Award winner and a 4-time loser.
Sleigh bitches.
QUEENSLAND CREATIVE TEAM
ALEX WOODWARD
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
DANIEL VENZ
CREATOR, GLOBAL DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY
CLAIRE DIX
PRODUCER AND GENERAL MANAGER
ALISTER SMITH
DIRECTOR – MELBOURNE AND CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR
EMILY GILHOME
DIRECTOR – BRISBANE/GOLD COAST AND CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR
DOMINIC WOODHEAD
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
TOM COLLINS
MUSIC DIRECTOR
BEN MURRAY
SOUND DESIGNER AND OPERATOR
HAMISH ELLIOT SOUND OPERATOR
JOSH MCINTOSH SET DESIGNER
DYLAN KELLY SET CONSTRUCTION
TRENT SUIDGEEST
LIGHTING DESIGNER
EMMA BURCHELL
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
LACHLAN VAN DER KREEK
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
ISSAC LUMMIS
COSTUME DESIGNER
MATT SEMPLE SKIT WRITER
EMILY KRISTOPHER SKIT WRITER
STEPHEN HIRST SKIT WRITER
CHI NEWTON
MARKETING AND SOCIALS
MUSICIANS PRODUCTION TEAM
TOM COLLINS
PIANIST
CHRIS EVANS
DRUMMER
LAURENT DUBOIS
GUITAR & BASS
ERIN O’SHEA
STAGE & COMPANY MANAGER
CAITLIN SCOTT
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & TECH SWING
VICTORIA CAST
ASMARA SOEKOTJO (DANCE CAPTAIN)
Asmara is an emerging artist from Melbourne. She trained at various schools nationwide before specializing in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre at the Patrick School of the Arts. Asmara’s career began when she cut her studies short to join Royal Caribbean International’s Pixels aboard the Ovation of the Seas. Back in Melbourne, she played Pilar in Legally Blonde: The Musical (dir. Michael Ralph, James Terry Collective). Postpandemic, Asmara was part of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy as ensemble/ cover for Angie and performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Most recently, she appeared in the ensemble for the Australian and Asian tours of Miss Saigon with Opera Australia and GWB. Her credits also include dance roles in the Another You film clip, the AFL 2022 Grand Final, and the ABC 90th TV Special “90%.”
CALLUM MARSHALL
Callum Marshall (He/Him) is a Sunshine Coast Born Performer who is a 2020 graduate of Jason Coleman’s Ministry Of Dance & Raw Dance Company.
Since training he has debuted and Toured Australia in ELVIS: A Musical Revolution (David Venn Enterprises) understudying and performing the supporting roles of Bill Black & Scotty Moore. Other credits include Metamuse By Luca Dinardo, 2020 World Expo in Dubai and Royal Caribbean’s Grease. Callum has also performed as a supporting dancer for artists such as; Katy Perry, Tones and I, RUEL and Troye Sivan And has also appeared on Masked Singer, Australia’s got talent and Dancing with the Stars.
GRACE LAING
Grace (she/her) is an actor, singer and songwriter. She graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre in 2023 and has since performed with The Australian Shakespeare Company in The Wind in the Willows (dir. Otis Elston) and 50 Shades of Grey: The Parody Musical (dir. David Venn). Amidst theatrical pursuits, Grace is an avid musician with plans for future projects to follow from the release of her debut EP, DISGRACEFUL (2022). Upon release, she played a sold-out EP launch at The Workers Club. Grace was a grand finalist on Channel Nine’s, The Voice Kids Australia (Top 2 of Delta Goodrem’s team) and in 2015, she was a soloist at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl. Grace is also the proud recipient of the Grace Marion Wilson Trust Award (2022), Ron Freedman Memorial Award (2023) and a proud member of MEAA.
JARROD MOORE
Jarrod Moore is a versatile performer with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Recent stage credits include The Little Lotus and Moulin Scrooge at The Seymour Centre in Sydney, both directed by Trevor Ashley. He starred as Adam/Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at The Star Gold Coast. Jarrod has also performed internationally, featuring as a lead male singer and Dracula in Universal Monsters Live at Universal Studios Japan. His experience spans theatre, live events, and immersive entertainment.
JORDAN TWIGG
Jordan is an accomplished and versatile actor whose passion for the stage ignited at a young age. A proud graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, where she earned her Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2019. Jordan has since delighted audiences with a range of performances. Most recently, she brought to life the role of Gussie Carnegie in Merrily We Roll along with AD ASTRA, as well as the roles of Leslie in Billy Elliot and Lucille/ Marilyn in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical with MATT WARD ENTERTAINMENT. Additionally, Jordan has showcased her talent in original works, performing in Anarchy, a new musical written and composed by Jordie Race-Coldrey, and touring regional Victoria with Thomas Currie’s cabaret, Basically Nocturnal Hailing from Ipswich, Queensland, Jordan is excited to bring some festive devilry to Melbourne audiences this Christmas.
JUSTIN WISE
Justin graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music Theatre having previously completed the Diploma of Music Theatre in 2019. Throughout his training, Justin’s credits include Terry Connors in Side Show, Fatty Arbuckle in Mack and Mabel, Ensemble/Sid U.S. in The Pajama Game and Stanford in Bright Star. Most recently Justin performed as Deadpool in the original cast of Marvellous: a Risqué Parody before moving on to playing Charlie in Echelon Productions’ Maybe a Miracle! Justin enjoys collaborating on new Australian works and was part of the original rehearsed workshop for the musical DreamRunners at the Australian Theatre For Young People (ATYP). Justin looks forward to embracing his festive spirit as he joins the cast of A Very Naughty Christmas here in Melbourne.
KATE YAXLEY
Kate has had her Christmas tree up since October & is back ready for her 4th year of A Very Naughty Christmas. Since graduating from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre (2016), Kate has performed nationally in an array of shows. Most recently she starred in Tim Minchin’s hit musical, Groundhog Day, for its Australian Premiere. Her other theatre credits include: Fancy Long Legs (La Boite Theatre Company & The Little Red Company), The Sunshine Club (Queensland Theatre), Animal Farm, Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts (Shake & Stir Theatre Co), The Mystery of Valkyrie, Sweet Charity (Woodward Productions), The Gruffalo’s Child (CDP), Songs from Stage and Screen (The 7 Sopranos), The Spirit of Christmas (QPAC), I Really Don’t Care (Melbourne Cabaret Festival) as well as touring Australia with National Theatre for Children. Kate also recently featured in White Fever (ABC). Kate is proudly represented by Ian White Management.
TIM PAIGE
He’s back, sack and crack baby!!! Tim’s theatre credits include Macbeth and Comedy of Errors (Pop Up Globe); The Dream Laboratory, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Twelfth Night (Essential Theatre); Himmelweg (The Smith Co). Musical Theatre; A Very Naughty Christmas (Woodward Productions) Pacific Overtures and Company (Watch This) His directorial credits include: director Timon of Athens (Bell Shakespeare): assistant director As You Like It (Melbourne Theatre Company); assistant director of Pop-up Globe’s Melbourne season; resident director for Pop-up Globe, Sydney; director Villainy; founder and director of Shaketh’speare. Tim is an International Fellow of Shakespeare’s Globe and a proud union member (MEAA). He also LOVES Christmas and his split personality allows him to appear on both the naughty and nice list at the same time.
VICTORIAN CREATIVE TEAM
ALEX WOODWARD
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
DANIEL VENZ
CREATOR, GLOBAL DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY
CLAIRE DIX
PRODUCER AND GENERAL MANAGER
ALISTER SMITH
DIRECTOR – MELBOURNE AND CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR
EMILY GILHOME
DIRECTOR – BRISBANE/GOLD COAST AND CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR
