The Removalists

Lazy, arrogant and clutching for his groin more frequently than his gun, Sergeant Simmonds (Laurence Coy) declares that “Nothing changes in this world.” Coming from him, it's one of many fronts of world-weary wisdom, but this pearl in the hands of director Leland Kean rings true in this unnerving production of David Williamson's Australian classic. Ally Mansell captures the territory brilliantly in her design, a police office and apartment rendered in the gum greens and brown of the Australian bush.
The most haunting aspect of Kean's production is just how rife, on so many levels, the hypocrisy is – Sergeant Simmonds' proclamation that one must not lose their head; double-standards fuelling judgements of life and sex, and, most difficult to reconcile of all, a jovial opening night audience laughing not only at the dark comedy, but at the drama they've convinced themselves is of a different time, as though domestic violence and police opportunism had been left in the '70s alongside short shorts and overzealous handlebar moustaches.

There is no one to like here – Sophie Hensser's Fiona frustratingly meek and victimised, Sam O'Sullivan's Constable lacking appropriate conviction, Sam Atwell's removalist appallingly apathetic. What is truly impressive is that Kean and cast have made this motley and unsettling collection of antagonists so riveting to watch.