Sisterhood of the Travelling Lighter

Sisterhood of the Travelling Lighter from Crash Theatre is a “celebration of the friendships that raise us”. Somewhat a “girl power” production with an all-female cast and production team, this somewhat tongue in cheek, magical little play is set on the university graduation day of a group of young women who have been friends since the first day of Year Seven.

With the help of a magical joint, we time-travel with this quartet of young ladies back to key moments in their coming of age, witness the tugs and pressures of their friendship over the period, and see how these four girls have shaped each other, united and pulled apart. 

A good blend of the bizarre and serious allows for some lovely moments, and four strong performances keep our interest throughout. Courtney McManus is convincing as Nic, chasing after the wrong woman and afraid to tell her family of her real ambitions - in a nicely layered performance. She clashes beautifully with serious, ambitious Georgia, played with depth by Clea Purkis. Shannon Rogers has a lovely blend of vulnerability and power as Holly, production of a broken home, while Stella Banfield’s wonderfully understated performance as Bree, unsure of what she wants to do, her place in the group and even how much of her personality is her own, is expertly crafted and compelling.

Great teamwork and camaraderie from the performers, and similar cohesion from the stage crew, led by Stage Manager Orla-Jean Poole, who co-ordinate necessary and complex scene changes throughout (nicely covered with some interesting if confusing choreographed movement from the cast.

Easy to watch escapism with scattered moments of oomph, this is a worthy little show that touches the heart and leaves its audience smiling. Well worth a look and a good choice for a night out with the girls.

Kimberley Shaw