Sordid Lives

Sordid Lives
By Del Shores. Playlovers (WA). Hackett Hall, Floreat. Nov 6 – 22, 2014

Playlovers' Sordid Lives is a kooky black comedy, about a white trash family, a bizarre and funny tale with some moments of depth.

Director David Gardette has assembled a strong cast that creates a conniving family group as they perform on the Texan-flag floored stage.

Introduced with songs from Bitsy Mae (nicely sung by Jane Anderson), we meet the family of a lady who has met and unfortunate and embarrassing demise.

Grace Hitchin was convincing as Sissy, struggling to quit smoking under trying circumstances. Her nieces, highly-strung Latrelle and wild, impulsive LaVonda were fun contrasts in the capable hands of Alide Chaney and Gillian Binks.

Andrew Baker was compelling in the moving role of grandson, Ty.

Solid and brash support came from Olivia Hogan, Jason Wall, Michael Balmer and Sue Murray, while David Nelson was strong and almost unrecognisable as Vietnam veteran DW and Clayton Zwanenberg was worth waiting for in his second act appearance as flamboyant, cross-dressing Brother Boy.

Terry McCauley's costumes and wigs are gloriously trashy and brilliantly bad-taste, while set changes are nicely executed on a simple but versatile set.

There are a couple of discrepancies (ebola mentioned in the 1990s) and not every moment rings true, but this is a well presented and funny show that deserves its warm reception.

Kimberley Shaw

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