Black Swan State Theatre Company is delivering a powerful and poignant festive season offering with the world premiere of Carol at Perth's Heath Ledger Theatre. This groundbreaking Australian work shines a necessary spotlight on the nation's escalating homelessness crisis, focusing on the fastest-growing group of Australians without a home: women over 55.
A Necessary Conversation on Stage
Western Australian playwright Andrea Gibbs, celebrated for her ability to weave difficult social issues with honesty and humour, returns after her acclaimed 2022 work Barracking For The Umpire. Where that play examined CTE in AFL players, Carol turns its attention to a different kind of national emergency. Gibbs places the often-invisible stories of older women front and centre, exploring how a single unexpected blow—be it bereavement, divorce, a rent increase, or plain bad luck—can quickly lead to a life slipping through the cracks of Australia's insecure housing system.
A Stellar Cast Brings Heart and Humour
Directed with adept skill by Adam Mitchell, this 90-minute production is driven by a remarkable performance from Sally-Anne Upton in the titular role, a part written specifically for her. Upton spectacularly brings Carol to life, making her resilient, witty, and deeply relatable. She portrays a year in Carol's life as she navigates an unwelcome unravelling, finding courage, Christmas spirit, and the sheer smarts needed for survival.
The performance is brilliantly supported by Mark Storen, who provides comic relief in his narratorial role as Santa. The ensemble cast of Bruce Denny, Isaac Diamond, and Ruby Henaway seamlessly transitions between multiple characters, adding depth and variety to Carol's world. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by entertainingly reworded Christmas songs under the musical direction of Jackson Harper Griggs.
Design and Lasting Impact
The stage, designed by Bruce McKinven, is a nostalgic Christmas wonderland, complete with tinsel, a tartan-wrapping-paper-inspired floor, and a distinctly Aussie-themed festive curtain. This cleverly juxtaposes the cheerful setting with Carol's harsh reality.
Despite its grim subject matter, Carol is ultimately a gift of hope and joy, springing forth with jolly laughs and leaving audiences utterly invested in its central character's plight. It is a resonant, entertaining, and vital piece of theatre that earns its 4-star rating and leaves one hoping for a playwriting trifecta from Gibbs.
Carol is playing at the Heath Ledger Theatre until December 14.
