Brisbane’s upcoming Olympic Games has inspired a new Australian play, 8 More Years, premiering at PIP Theatre’s annual Toucan Club Festival this December.
8 More Years, written by Amelia Slatter, is a quintessentially Australian comedy with relatable flavour. It centres around the classic suburban family with all its petty dramas and is set against the backdrop of the Olympic countdown.
Tracey Baxter is p*ssed. Brisbane’s going Olympic, her favourite park’s getting bulldozed, her brother’s training for the Games AND her mum’s got a thing for his swim coach.
Set in 2024, in the eight-year lead-up to the Games, 8 More Years splashes through chaos and pure Aussie absurdity. Between red frogs, swim meets, and big changes, one feisty little girl is determined to keep up with the madness and shake up her family, her city, and everyone in between.
Playwright Amelia Slatter said she wanted the piece to be a conversation starter.
“I wanted to tell a story from a local and timely perspective. Something relatable, funny and silly, but also one that looks at how the upcoming Olympics will change Brisbane.
News stories kept popping up about Queensland gearing up for the Games, with large scale developments on the cards. Specifically, the new Olympic stadium being built at Victoria Park and locals protesting the development.
Public transport, congestion, cost of living, and housing affordability are all things that will change how we live in the lead up to the games. Back in 2024, it got me thinking, what would Brisbane be like in 8 years’ time?”
Slatter said the play isn’t intended to be a political stab.
“I’m not opposed to the Olympics. It’s intended to hold up a cheeky mirror to our home, our habits and the hilarious chaos that ensues with change. It is intended to spark a conversation about navigating change, not only socially and economically, but within a family unit.
The play touches on some very real challenges faced by everyday Australian families, set against the backdrop of a fundamental part of our national identity – sporting culture. It begs the question; how do we navigate progress and change?”
Slatter will also star in the production as Tracy Baxter, the precocious 8-year-old. Sam Herbertson (Spectre) will star as the 14-year-old Olympic potential Jay-sun Baxter. Hayden Burke will star as Coach and Meryn Cooper will star as Mum.
Award winning actor, theatre maker and puppeteer Calum Johnston will direct the production, with lighting design by Noah Milne, and sound by Cam Cahill.
8 More Years runs as part of PIP Theatre’s annual Toucan Club Festival which is on now until 13 December.
Toucan Club Festival features more than 30 different productions, blending the best of local talent with selects acts from across the nation. Explore the full program here.
Single tickets start at $33, with a two-show deal available for $60.
8 More Years runs from 10 – 12 December as part of Toucan Club Festival. PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road Milton Qld 4064.
Tickets: https://piptheatre.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/153837
Website: https://piptheatre.org/2025-8-more-years/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/8moreyears/
Photo credits: Harrison Allen
