THEATRE: THE REMOVALISTS

BY ANGELA BENNETTS

Who doesn’t like a cop drama’ With all the spicy elements we know and love of the genre ‘ violence, sex, power and corruption ‘ The Removalists is a classic example. Penned in 1971 by acclaimed playwright David Williamson, the themes ring as true today as then.

We join rookie Constable Ross on his first day on the beat with Sergeant Simmonds. Hoping that one favour will beget another, they decide to help a young battered wife move from the home of her brutish husband. And from that impropriety many more violently spring.

The Removalists is packed with an icy, hard-edged humour that’s hard to resist ‘ even when it comes blood-splattered ‘ plus the kind of high-drama you can’t look away from. But played out at one, high-pitched register, some of the more subtle emotional depths are lost along the way. We witness antsy cub Ross transform from hapless puppet to wily, savage puppeteer ‘ and yet this borders on caricature. The last-minute withdrawal of Steve Bisley from the leading role (replaced by Danny Adcock) could have something to do with this slight awkwardness.

All in all this is a faithful, succinct retelling, with a taut energy and pulsing physicality. But it may have benefited from the removal of some extremes to allow the actors ‘ and audience ‘ to breathe a little.

Until Mar 29. Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. Tickets: $30-$70, 9250 1777 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au