From the Drama Department

Mama Does Derby — Windmill Theatre at Adelaide Festival 2026

If you’ve ever felt the pressure of growing up, struggled to find your place in a new town, or had a complicated relationship with a parent who’s also your best friend, then Mama Does Derby was the perfect excursion for our SAC students

Windmill Theatre’s high-energy show follows 16-year-old Billie, who is stuck. The pressure of growing up and holding it all together is weighing on her, and to make matters worse, she and her mum have just moved to a regional town and need to make their own fun. Sound familiar? Mama Does Derby is fast, funny and full of sharp banter, where you’re laughing one minute and getting hit in the chest the next.

The production is unlike any theatre you’ve likely seen before. This is a performance in constant motion, when you enter the theatre, real-life members of the Adelaide Roller Derby League are already circling a projected track, and the audience is arranged in two halves facing each other across the traverse stage. The entire set is on wheels, creating a constant feeling of motion and a dreamlike quality that shifts and changes throughout the show.

Billie’s anxieties take on a vivid physical form, a shape-shifting sleep paralysis demon, providing both genuinely funny moments and a moving reminder that managing anxiety doesn’t mean banishing those feelings, but reframing our relationship with them.

Critically, the show is a huge hit. Reviewers called it “funny and heart-warming, with far more depth beneath the surface than expected,” and “a larger than life and visually stunning comedy-horror that leaves you exhilarated.”

Everything, from the performances, to the set, to the perfectly timed sound effects, has such exquisite attention to detail that it’s hard to know where to begin. Mama Does Derby is proof that theatre can be as exciting, loud, and relevant as anything you’d stream at home.

Mr Tom Coultas
Drama Coordinator

Students Reflected:

“Mama Does Derby was very Inspiring. At times some of the elements were quite scary and confronting, but it was also very comic and entertaining whilst discussing some very serious issues for the teenage audience.” Sophie, Year 12 student

“Absolutely loved the show Mama Does Derby. The staging, lights and costumes were amazing – my favourite was Damon and I 100% recommend this show.” Lucy Year 10 student

“I really loved the show and how interactive it was with live Roller Derby Performers and a stunningly talented cast.” Stella, Year 10 student

“I thought it  was fast paced and exciting, Mama does Derby was deep and meaningful and I loved how believable all the characters were.” Aria, Year 10 student

“I loved Mama Does Derby’s use of the lighting especially in the intense scenes and the use of live bands on stage – more plays should use this as its so affective.” Zoe, Year 11 student

“I really enjoyed Mama does Derby it had a great atmosphere and it was very enjoyable show with lots of moving interactive elements and parts.” Bethany, Year 11 student

“I loved Mama does Derby because how inclusive if it was to all the audience members and how they drew us in with their acting and brilliant facial expressions.” Nicole. Year 11

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