With seven mainstage theatre productions in the past seven years, Matthew is one of the most prolific playwrights in Australia and has won awards for his writing and directing.

Follies Summer Wonderland director K-M Doyle, herself an award-winning playwright and professional performer, is thrilled to be presenting the contemporary play to local audiences.

She said the adult show, set to open at the Milton Theatre on November 7, reflected the “unique craziness found in homes throughout Australia at Christmas time”.

“Matthew Ryan has masterfully captured the strained relationships and pressures of perfection that can escalate alongside candy canes, beer and the tortured strains of Christmas carols,” she said.

“Played on the battlefield of their neighbourhood Christmas lights competition, the fears and frustrations of the characters echo the familiar hopes for a better life most of us will have experienced at some time.

“Behind the façade of perfect suburban lives, are characters that mirror people we’ve all known - perhaps we’ll grimace with the realisation that they’re a little too close for comfort.

“But while the suburban battle of the bulbs brings out their worst characteristics, we can recognise their feelings of loneliness, desperation, and longing - of wanting to escape reality.”

One of the characters that can’t wait to escape Dickens Court is teenager Foster Jones, played by Tyler Thoroughgood.

A St John’s High School student, Tyler has spent hours rehearsing for his role while also completing his HSC.

He will make his Follies debut in Summer Wonderland after having performed in high school productions for the past four years, as well as school drama-based competitions and creative arts nights including the Tournament of Minds.

Tyler hopes to study acting at university next year and said his Follies role was “developing my skills and opening up new opportunities” as a performer.

K-M commended Tyler’s ability to take on a major role while juggling his school commitments.

“Theatre always demands hard work of its actors, but this cast challenged themselves constantly to do justice to this finely written play,” she said.

“Tyler is fantastic.”

The Courier Mail described the play as “a cracker of a Christmas comedy”.

“Summer Wonderland’s farcical silliness comes up shining… the script sparkles with little gems of Christmas lore and psychological observation.”

Six shows will be held over two weekends from November 7 - 16, including two Sunday matinees, with tickets on sale at Country Leather Milton at a cost of $25 each.