The Trolleys

The Trolleys
By Sara West. Directed by Andie Holborn. Playlovers. Hackett Hall, Floreat, WA. May 20-29, 2016

Playlovers' The Trolleys is an alternate universe or possibly post-apocalyptic story, set in a world inhabited only by children. A gang of six, who call themselves The Trolleys, struggle to survive in a hostile world, but their lights are fading and nobody knows why…

The home of The Trolleys, is a "trolley tower" constructed from playground equipment, shopping trolleys, prams and assorted 'found' items, beautifully created by Richard Ferreira and Gordon Barnett. Its multi-level and dystopian but child-like design provided an excellent centre-point for the show.

The gang were a cohesive "family by choice". Sarah-Rose Kelly was a demanding, but ultimately caring leader, as Savage Kim, Prea Cunningham was lively as Jones-Boy, George O'Doherty was very convincing as Phlegm, Georgina Ferreira as Blue and Leo Rimmer as River were a lovely sibling pair, while Gemma Vu brought sweetness and sensitivity to Baby May.

As the gang journey towards the city, they try to avoid being turned to dust (this form of death being artistically personified by Dust Collector Atira Shack), unlike the unfortunate victims well played by Macy Waldram, Jacob Clayton and Ella Simpson.

The gang stumble upon a mysterious little girl, the loner called Lemon, who possesses precious light. Gently and sympathetically played by Amy Evans, Lemon sings a beautiful but haunting song (composed by Rodney Holborn). The interaction leads the gang to question all that they know.

Lovely ensemble work throughout, this was a strongly aesthetic show, which provided much food for thought. This well-written Australian play was a lovely choice of script and was sensitively presented by director Andie Holborn and her all-youth cast.

Kimberley Shaw

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