A highly topical local story, 8 More Years was a gold medal new family comedy about the impact of Brisbane’s impending Olympics.
Written and produced by Amelia Slatter, who also starred as Tracey, 8 More Years made its premiere at PIP Theatre as part of their annual Toucan Club cabaret festival. The development of 8 More Years was supported by PIP’s Play Writing Group – Canopy.
This premiere production was directed by Calum Johnston, and featured Johnston’s characteristically dynamic blocking and amplified, distinct physical language for each character.
Living in Brisbane, the Baxter family are excited by the announcement that their home city will host the 2032 Olympic Games. The Games offers exciting opportunities for big brother Jason and his swimming career, but 8-year-old Tracey is disgusted to discover that her local park has been closed as part of the development.
As Tracey gets involved with protest groups, attends rallies, and tries to save the park by speaking up against the Games, the Baxter living room becomes a battlefield. Supported by his Mum and Coach, Jason trains hard and competes in the qualifying rounds with his eyes on the Olympic team. Tracey loves her big brother, but how far would she go for what she believes in?
Constantly at war with her mum, who is focused on Jason and also trying to catch Coach’s attention, Tracey feels misunderstood and as if her goals matter less than her brother’s. Things get even more heated when Tracey and her cause receive national attention. With some deus ex machina intervention from Tracey’s absent and mysterious dad, a disembodied voice from the television, she learns to take responsibility for her actions and reconciles with her family.
Amelia Slatter played Tracey with a balance of childish impatience and single-minded conviction. The contrast between her child-like behaviours, like sulking or bickering with her brother, and her articulate understanding of the issues in relation to the Olympics, kept the character relatable and sympathetic to the audience.
Meryn Cooper played Mum as an homage to Jane Turner’s iconic Australian character Kath Day-Knight, from the vocal inflection to the lairy fluorescent fashion choices. The physical comedy was excellent, particularly from Hayden Burke as the intensely cheerful and optimistic Coach, and Johnston’s touch as a director was evident in the play’s physicality. In the same vein, Jason’s swimming races were a comedic highlight as Sam Herbertson veered along the stage and through the audience with thrashing limbs.
Lighting design by Noah Milne and sound by Cam Cahill added depth to the storytelling and shifted scene locations with minimal changes to the set, from the green light of the park to the background chatter and splash of the pool. 8 More Years is set in 2024 but some props, like a rotary telephone, seemed to be from a different era.
Packed with Australiana and absurdity, the play also had its poignant moments and plenty of excellent physical comedy. Without taking a clear stance for or against the Games, 8 More Years explored the potential impacts of the Olympic leadup, including promised and proposed developments, on the people who already call Brisbane home.
8 More Years played at PIP Theatre, Milton, from 10 – 12 December 2025
For further information, visit the PIP Theatre website
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