STILL HERE by Dave & The Daves
Written and performed by Dave Houston with accompanying musician Stephen ‘Stretch’ Teakle
Described as "a depression comedy" and "a 60-minute lifeline from the stage," STILL HERE blends character comedy, storytelling and six original live songs across punk, rock, folk, lullaby, hip-hop and psych-folk into a funny and moving exploration of mental health. Meet Uncle David, Rave Dave, Davo, Darvid Uluru Crystal, psychiatrist Davina Davis and several other Dave derivatives in this funny, moving and unforgettable show about staying here. An intoxicating blend of laughter, pathos and empathy.
The performance on 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day 2026) is followed by a facilitated wānanga exploring mental health, suicide prevention and awareness, connection, community wellbeing and starting the conversation.
Recommended 13+. Contains mental health themes, references to depression and suicide, and coarse language.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer & Performer: Dave Houston
Musician: Stephen 'Stretch' Teakle
About Dave
Dave Houston is an Australian actor, musician, writer and theatre-maker who has been creating and touring original theatre for more than 30 years. Trained at the Victorian College of the Arts, he is the Artistic Director of Full-On Theatre and has performed across theatres, festivals, schools and community settings throughout Australia and internationally, first taking a solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at the age of 24.
Blending storytelling, live music, comedy and community engagement, Dave is passionate about solo performance that is emotionally honest, funny and human. His work is shaped by a lifelong interest in theatre, wellbeing and human connection, and he is currently completing a Master's in Gestalt Therapy to further inform his directing and teaching practice.
A committed ally for First Nations peoples, Dave has also worked extensively as an artist-in-residence with Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital and has released two solo albums alongside six albums with his bands.
