Haul Away: Carlton Courthouse

Haul Away: Carlton Courthouse

This is the second incarnation of the Green Room award winning play Haul Away. Originally performed at La Mama Theatre three years ago, and taking three years to create, I for one am glad that they have decided to re-stage this wonderful and moving piece of theatre.

So what is Haul Away all about then? Well that was certainly my first question when I arrived at the Courthouse to see the show. The answer is plainly and simply ‘Grief’. And while you may think it would be somewhat difficult or depressing to write a play about the subject of grief, somehow the very talented Glynis Angell and Vanessa Chapple have defied all odds and have created a funny, moving and thoughtful piece of theatre about grief in its many different capacities.

Haul Away is really a story that takes us on a journey into the world of terminally ill ‘Kay’ and her family, who, for the purpose of the play, are symbolic characters dealing with death, grief and all of the other emotions associated with loss. But because the play deals with the subject matter of grief, Kay could easily be replaced with any number of characters and her illness could be replaced with any number of tragedies, but somehow the underlying message of how people deal with grief would still shine through at the end of the day.

Not only does the wonderfully outfitted Glynis Angell make us laugh with her witty Scottish accent and make us ponder on grief itself, but by becoming different characters, she also explains the emotions of the one being grieved over, the role of the grieving family and loved ones, and inevitably tries to find out where God is in all of this tragedy. I am not sure if her question to this one is actually answered, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.

Apart from the ease in which Glynis pulls off her many and varied roles, she is brilliantly accompanied by the most talented and award winning musician Fiona Roake. Fiona not only plays every instrument conceivable, but sitting in a tower high above the stage, made just for her, she sings us sweet, bass driven songs of remembering and mourning.

With a brilliant and surprising set design by Marg Horwell and a soft yet sharp lighting design by Richard Vabre – fast becoming my most favoured lighting designer in town – Haul Away really is a magical and rare piece of theatre that will definitely make you laugh and cry.

I certainly cried and I know many people around me did also. But don’t worry too much; there is an obligatory box of tissues waiting for you in the foyer to wipe those tears away.

Do yourself a favour, go and see Haul Away and book a ticket because I guarantee it will be sold out before you know it.

Haul Away: Carlton Courthouse
349 Drummond Street, Carlton
April 30 – May 16

Written by: Glynis Angell and Vanessa Chapple
Directed by: Vanessa Chapple
Performed by: Glynis Angell and Fiona Roake
Music and Lyrics written by: Fiona Roake
Set & Costume Design: Marg horwell
Lighting Design: Richard Vabre