Squad Goals

How far would you go to win? That’s the prevailing question asked by Squad Goals, a new black comedy written by Brisbane creative, Alex Bayliss. On the darkness scale of dark humour, this play’s the equivalent of Vantablack. It’s an excellent example of a gripping thriller crossed with a comedic horror. It is rather novel to see this genre on stage, as one usually associates with cinema. Refreshing too is the opportunity to see an all-female cast in powerful roles.

The narrative focusses on a netball team that’s hellbent on winning and making it from the B grade up into the A grade. Team captain Michelle (Lisa Davidson) will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, even if it means torture or murder. She convinces others in the team that weak player Jess (Karli Rae) has been possessed by a demon and they must exorcise her. Star netball player and Jess’ cousin Becca (Bek Schmidt) isn’t so convinced. She battles to stand up against the extreme peer pressure heaped upon her from Michelle and the rest of the team. 

The acting is A-grade from all performers. Even Marni Forde-Sloan as Lilly and Karli Rae as Jess make the most of their limited dialogue, with outstanding physical performances. The cast works very well as a team; their performances lifting each other up throughout the harrowing tale. Lisa Davidson is focussed and suitably psychopathic in the role of Michelle. Aimee Duroux as Alison delivers a fearless performance, full of risk taking that always pays off. Most outstanding is Bek Schmidt as Becca, whose acting is believable and powerful.   

Set and props designed by Anna Straker set the mood of the show before any actor steps onstage. The conglomeration of fences, debris and overhanging eucalyptus enhances the horrific, dangerous feeling. So too does the amazing sound design by Mike Willmett. Familiar, spooky night-time bird sounds, cicadas and at times a low, unnerving hum sit in the peripherals of your hearing, building the tension while not distracting from the dialogue.

A few more changes in the emotive landscape would definitely take this play to the next level. At times the dialogue could use some more humour to break the tension of the unrelenting anger and fighting. Aside from that, there aren’t a lot of areas where this show could improve.

Direction by Alexander Bayliss and Emma Black is tight and well balanced. They’ve clearly created an environment in which the cast and crew are emboldened and allowed to do their best.

Squad Goals is highly entertaining and definitely different to the usual theatrical fare. It raises interesting questions and keeps you guessing. Squeamish viewers might wince at the blood and bruises, but for fans of dark comedy combined with thrilling horror, this is an exciting new production. 

Kiesten McCauley 

Photographer: Kate Lund