The raw energy, theatrical flair, and powerful athleticism of roller derby are crashing from the rink onto the stage in a groundbreaking new production. 'Mama Does Derby', a high-octane play co-created by director Clare Watson and writer Virginia Gay, is set to transform Sydney Town Hall and later the Adelaide Entertainment Centre into vibrant arenas of sport and story.
From Real-Life Rink to Theatrical Stage
Inspired by Watson's own journey, the play centres on Maxine, a single mother whose search for connection and chaotic energy leads her to join a roller derby team, all while navigating her relationship with her more responsible 16-year-old daughter, Billie. Watson herself discovered the sport later in life, attending her first 'bout' in Melbourne in 2008. She was instantly captivated by 'the athleticism, the strength, the power, the agility, also the theatre of the thing'.
Although a witnessing a serious injury during a bout deterred her from competitive skating, it fuelled her desire to channel the sport's essence into theatre. She pitched the idea to longtime collaborator Virginia Gay, who, despite never having been on skates, was won over by the project's innovative potential.
A Cast of Champions and a Custom-Built Track
The production blurs the line between performance and sport by featuring ten experienced roller derby competitors skating on a full-scale, custom-built oval track. Among them is 24-year-old jammer Maddy 'BB Gun' Wilkinson from the Adelaide team the Wild Hearses, a fearless skater who has been involved in the sport since childhood.
The Sydney performances, running from 15 to 22 January as part of Sydney Festival, will see the skaters and actors perform in the round within the historic 137-year-old Town Hall. The production team is taking meticulous care to protect the venue's precious Tasmanian blackwood floor and its famed grand organ. The show then moves to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre from 27 February to 8 March for Adelaide Festival.
Celebrating Community, Diversity and Legacy
The play deeply reflects the culture of modern roller derby, which arrived competitively in Australia in 2007 and now boasts over 80 leagues nationwide. The sport is celebrated for its inclusivity, embracing diverse bodies, sexualities, and identities. As Maddy Wilkinson notes, it has fostered 'a massive community of queer skaters' where everyone can feel safe to be themselves.
The production also pays tribute to a key figure in Australian roller derby: the late Sarah Strong-Law, also known as Barrelhouse Bessy, the Texan founder of the sport in Adelaide. Wilkinson's derby name, 'BB Gun', is an homage to her mentor. Watson acknowledges that 'we wouldn't be doing this show without Sarah, she's in the fabric of everything we're doing.'
With a live three-piece band providing a soundtrack that ranges from punk rock riot grrrl energy to ethereal pop, and with Watson's own daughter Ivy serving as a script consultant, 'Mama Does Derby' is more than a play—it's a heartfelt, high-stakes celebration of sport, family, and finding your tribe.
