Irrespective of how old you are, the memories of adolescence are never far behind. The awkwardness and insecurity of growing into yourself – both physically and mentally – and the overwhelming sense that your parents will simply never understand. And if they try, well that’s just so embarrassing. Perhaps that is what makes the character of Billie (Elvy-Lee Quici) in Windmill Production Company’s Mama Does Derby so engaging.
We are introduced to the 16 year old Billie and her mother Maxine (Amber McMahon) as they embark on a new adventure moving to a rural town. Their mother / daughter relationship is special (think Gilmore Girls) and it quickly becomes apparent which of the two carries the weight of familial responsibility.
Billie, an introverted, creative soul with an admiration for Frida Kahlo, starts at a new school, meets a new friend Hux (Aud Mason-Hyde) and slowly begins to discover who she is, separate from her mother. This brings with it confusion and crippling anxiety, which masterfully takes the physical form of Nathan (Benjamin Hancock), a glittering, demon contortionist, who plagues her dreams.
At the same time we see the vivacious Maxine rediscover her love of roller skating and her introduction to the world of Roller Derby. Having been a person who willing jumped around from place to place, seemingly never standing still, it appears that here, with these women, she finds her home.
Co-Created by Clare Watson (Director) and Virginia Gay (Writer), Mama Does Derby mindfully and artfully depicts how anxiety can effect young people, particularity in an age where the 24 hour news cycle can be unrelenting. This subject is explored with humour and grace, creating a space for discussions around mental health.
There is a strong sense of belonging that encapsulates the production. This idea that as humans out greatest desire is to be seen for who we are. Both Billie and Maxine experience this in different ways and the impact it has on them is profound. It is only once they discover themselves that they can truly see each other.
Mama Does Derby is an immersive and sensory experience with a lot of moving parts. There’s live music, moving stage sets and, of course, roller skating. The incredible Derby Athletes, (Members of Sydney Roller Derby Leagues including Inner West Roller Derby League) literally keep the show moving with such skill and precision, they make it appear effortless. I am in awe.
Part of the Sydney Festival, it was amazing to see Sydney’s Town Hall transformed into a Roller Derby rink. The ingenuity used to create the staging and this world for these complex and multi-faceted characters to live in, is simply incredible.
Encapsulating the mantra that when you get knocked down, you just have to get up again, Mama Does Derby is a funny and heart-warming production, with far more depth beneath the surface than expected. It will have you dusting off your roller skates and creating your Roller Derby name in no time.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Mama Does Derby will perform at the Sydney Town Hall until 22 January 2026 as part of the Sydney Festival.
For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Sydney Festival website.
Reviewer attended on Friday 16 December 2025.
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
