The Removalists

The Performing Arts Society of WA (PAANDA) approaches the 1970s Australian classic, The Removalists, with a female perspective, in a strong and thought-provoking production.

The Removalists follows a rookie cop and his senior officer after they receive a domestic violence complaint.

Exploring themes of spousal abuse, police brutality and abuse of authority, this production examines the overt masculinity in this play by using an all-female (or non-binary) cast allowing the audience to explore their own feelings about masculinity and control.

The 1970s are nicely suggested by costumes by Lucy Howe and properties by Lauren Kelly. Alex Wiehl’s set uses a packing box theme, nicely creating a police station and a suburban flat. Emotive lighting was designed by Hannah Quaden, with sound design by Ella Cooke. Makeup - designed by Emily Calderbank. 

New young police officer Constable Ross is nicely portrayed by Stella Hammond, showing an impressive acting range, while Holly Lynch shows that a young, slim, attractive actor with dimples can play an overweight man in his forties and somehow be convincing.

Kate Mason, sophisticated and confident, is played with a lovely journey by Lily Slattery, while younger sister and domestic violence victim, Fiona Carter is played with excellent facial expression by Lucy Weise.

Kenny Carter, abusive and generally unlikeable, is expertly portrayed by Este Breytenbach - executing some impressive fight choreography, especially with Holly Lynch. The final character, that of The Removalist, was portrayed at the first performance by co-director Orla Poole, as performer Martha O’Hagan was required to be on her Nursing Practicum. Orla delivered an excellent performance, and you would never guess that it was not usually her role.

PAANDA’s The Removalists is a well performed production that provides much food for thought. A show with a very interesting twist.

Kimberley Shaw.