Aurélie Roque || A Very Naughty Christmas

The Fame Reporter interviewed versatile theatre performer Aurélie Roque, starring in the hilarious A Very Naughty Christmas playing now at La Boite Theatre until 18 December before it moves to The Star Gold Coast for three shows.

Queensland audiences have gone straight on Santa’s naughty list with Australia’s favourite adults-only Christmas comedy, A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS, opening in Brisbane. Playing to packed houses night after night, 2024 is the variety show’s eighth festive season in Brisbane, promising audiences a night of festive fun packed with stand-up, skits, parodied songs, dancing, singing, burlesque and a whole bunch of silliness, for over 18s only.

It stars three-time Matilda Award winner Steven Rooke, in the role of Santa like you’ve never seen him before, baring more than a little skin and leaving little to the imagination.

We sat down with Aurélie and talked her love for theatre, what enticed her to want to return to this 18+ Christmas Comedy, why The Sunshine State will love it, her recent roles and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Aurélie, what sparked your interest in performing initially?
Thank you so much for having me! Oh, my love of theatre started further back than I can remember. According to my mom, her best friend Becky Watson heard me singing along to kids shows, and told her I had perfect pitch.

I vaguely remember going down the street to Becky’s house for lessons, to try it out for a bit. Then came piano lessons, and I was in dance classes at American Dance Center (followed by Miller Marley) and private voice lessons at the age of 6. Over 30 years later, I’m still here.

What about ‘A Very Naughty Christmas’ that enticed you to want to return to the show?
This is my holiday tradition! I feel honored to have been with the show since its inception 8 years ago. Plus, while I personally loooooove Christmas, I adore stepping into the Anti-Xmas/Krampus personality.

It’s been one heck of a crazy ride for the past (almost) decade, and I can’t WAIT to see what comes next.

What is it like working with this incredible hilarious cast?
Every single one of them is a quadruple threat, and that gives a very sturdy backbone to the flurry of activity that is the rehearsal space. It’s not just the cast; the crew involved has done a really great job of maintaining a safe and stable energy in the room that allows us to just play sometimes! There’s been a ton of laughter and creativity every single day.

What’s your favorite number to perform in the show, and why?
Oh hands down, Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man). We’ve done the number before, but not like this. There’s such a Weather Girls sassy attitude in it, and I can’t help but let it take me along for the ride.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Oh that’s easy. Off the top of my head, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Ke Huy Quan (with Robin Williams &/or Willem Defoe as a CLOSE fourth). It’s a bizarre & eclectic list, I know, but I stand by it!

You recently played Alison Bechdel in Fun Home, what was that experience like playing this iconic character?
Oh wow, so completely different to any role I’ve played before. I found her both immensely difficult and easy to play, which was very confusing.

To play a character that is non-fiction and still very much alive, that also was written BY said person… there’s a strong desire to do that character justice.

To make her very real not only to the audience, but also to myself, once I donned the glasses. Since she never leaves the stage, but watches every single ‘memory’ play out in front of her, I made sure to actively listen to every scene and song as if I was remembering it myself. I didn’t fake any reactions, I felt them.

Fun Home was an emotional roller coaster, but one I am so very proud of.

What do you love about the Brisbane theatre scene?
The same thing I love about the theatre scene in general: it’s such a small world! Everyone knows everyone, and not just in Australia! I had a friend here in Brisbane come up to me during rehearsal a couple years ago, and mention that they had seen so-and-so (from back in Kansas City) on my FB friends list. They had worked together on a cruise ship!

The global theatre community is one big crazy family. Getting to cheer on friends treading the boards on some of the biggest stages in Australia, and across the globe, is simply the best feeling.

Plus, the Brisbane community has grown exponentially since I moved here 11 years ago! And it ain’t stopping anytime soon.

What can audiences look forward to when they come and see ‘A Very Naughty Christmas’ who haven’t seen it yet?
A cheeky, rowdy, (sometimes nudie) and hilarious adults only Christmas comedy! Maybe leave the kiddos at home, and join us, with a drink in hand!