A stunning new piece of theatre that is both hilarious and powerful
Presented by: Windmill Production Company
Reviewed: 28 February, 2026
With Virginia Gay and Clare Watson the brains behind this new show, Mama Does Derby was clearly going to be entertaining and humorous. However, everything from the performances, to the set, to the perfectly timed sound effects have such an exquisite attention to detail that it’s hard to know where to begin gushing over this show.
Mama Does Derby is the story of Maxine (Amber McMahon) and Billie (Elvy-Lee Quici), an unconventional mother-daughter duo who settle down in an unnamed regional town after a life of transience and adventure. Billie and Maxine’s relationship is challenged as Maxine struggles with being still and Billie struggles with mental health and the pressure of growing up.
The cast is stacked with talent. Amber McMahon and Elvy-Lee Quici are commanding in their respective roles, drawing the audience into the push and pull of their characters’ relationship with perfectly timed mannerisms. These two exceptional actors are the sun around which the rest of this production revolves. They are supported by a genuine and loveable performance by Aud Mason-Hyde as Hux, whose character provides some much-needed grounding for Billie; hilarious comedic moments by Annabel Matheson as Maxine’s roller derby friend ‘The Wombat’ and Therapist Agatha; and entertaining stereotypes by Dylan Miller as Maxine’s gormless boyfriend Dave and Weird Normal Neil.
A special mention must go to Benjamin Hancock, playing Nathan the Demon. Hancock’s physicality through sinuous dancelike moves and contortions, performed in an eye-catching black sparkling bodysuit, was absolutely mesmerising. Every move was perfectly timed to the prerecorded voice of Nathan (voiced by Antoine Jelk). The character added depth to Billie’s fears and humour when required.
In addition to the primary cast of actors, the show is supported by members of the Adelaide Roller Derby League, who not only display their highly impressive skating talents, but also act as additional characters in the play and move set pieces at critical moments. I’m inspired to watch some roller derby now, because the skills of these skaters were truly remarkable.
The show was supported by a band consisting of Joe Paradies Lui (music director, guitar and vocals), Calliope Jackson (bass) and Katya Spitsyna (drums), adding atmosphere and often covering scene changes with their hard rock vibes.
The set, designed by Jonathon Oxlade, was a real thing of beauty. The main stage was a roller rink with the audience positioned on two sides facing each other. Maxine and Billie’s house was a series of platforms that jigsawed together at appropriate moments, while the therapist’s couches were often wheeled about the rink in various ways, depending on what the story needed at any given point. The end result was a set that was attractive, purposeful, and kept the story moving at every turn.
Mama Does Derby is an absolutely stunning piece of new theatre. At less than $60 a ticket, this is a steal, so do yourself a favour and go and see this work.
Reviewed by Kristin Stefanoff
Photo credit: Tony Lewis
Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre
Season: until 8th March
Duration: 1hr 30m no interval
Tickets: $30 – $59 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/whats-on/season-2026/mama-does-derby
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Roller Derby League, Amber McMahon, Antoine Jelk, Aud Mason-Hyde, Benjamin Hancock, Calliope Jackson, Clare Watson, Dylan Miller, Elvy-Lee Quici, Joe Paradies Lui, Jonathon Oxlade, Katya Spitsyna, Virginia Gay, Windmill Production Company
