Soap Street History
What began in 1988 as a teenage protest against the axing of iconic Aussie television has evolved into an unforgettable cult classic of Australian satire, drama, and screen comedy.
Born from a teenage television protest
In 1988, two schoolboys—Christopher Barnes and Caleb Packham—were devastated when beloved Australian soap opera Sons and Daughters was cancelled. Refusing to watch whatever programme replaced it, they took matters into their own hands and penned an audacious 12-part parody melodrama called Soap Street. Packed with exaggerated cliffhangers, heightened melodrama, and witty satire, the scripts captured the chaotic charm of classic Aussie soap opera before disappearing into a cardboard packing box for more than a decade.
The lost scripts and the Penrith stage sensation
At the turn of the century, Christopher unearthed the long-lost scripts from storage and adapted the story into a live stage production. Debuting in Penrith in 2002, the play was an immediate sell-out triumph. Recognisable stars from major Australian soaps packed the audience, eager to laugh at the affectionate take on their own industry and careers. The overwhelming reaction sparked a demand for an even bigger theatrical experiment.
Soap Street by the stars and beyond
By 2003, the actors themselves wanted in on the joke. Christopher Barnes organised an exclusive VIP night in Newtown: Soap Street by the Stars. In a daring twist, executive producer Barnes handed the cast their scripts only 60 minutes before curtain call. After a frantic, adrenaline-fuelled rehearsal, the doors swung open to a packed house for a night of television and stage history. Today, SoapStreetTv continues that creative spark from Brisbane, crafting unique Australian screen and video productions.
"Soap Street captures the golden era of Australian soap drama with incredible humour, heart, and pure showbiz mischief."
Christopher Barnes, Creator and Executive Producer