Concrete Playground

It is too easy to be cynical at Christmas time. Yes, consumerism is bad. Yes, Santa in his red and white garb has been used as a mascot by an evil beverage multinational to sell their evil beverage. And, yes, celebrating the birth of a Jewish boy by eating pig meat and shellfish is culturally insensitive.

But for all that, a lot of people still have a sense of magic associated with this time of year, and no amount of acerbic irony will quash the memories evoked by old TV shows, mince tarts and classic Christmas tunes.

This year Opera Australia is presenting one of the higher quality Christmas memory medleys with its Great Christmas Caper. Hosted by The Wharf Revue's Jonathan Biggins, the Caper presents a story about Santa and his awry helper, starring the impressive baritone of Teddy Tahu Rhodes and the cabaret queen phenomena that is Meow Meow (who presented her own Christmas show earlier this year).

Combining operatic virtuosity with cheeky humour and showy chutzpah, this event promises to be meatier than your usual night of carols.

Image by Jeff Busby