Stocktake is a bold dark comedy that often feels like an all too real insight into the dangerously toxic world of retail.As the working day drags to its close, Ash, Jess, Fin and Heidi prepare for the evening’s stocktake – a voluntary evening of work that is mandatory but not counted as over time. What is counted is the minutes turning into hours turning into the realisation that their working lives have become one long merry-go-round that they will never get off.
Jess Zlotnick writes from a place of knowing – the tell tale signs that they have experienced, first hand, the absolute horrors of retail and customer service and has used these experiences to weave something truly triggering. The script is wickedly witty, superbly leaning into the horror trope to masterfully turn the work’s underlying subtleties into sledgehammer truths.
Tasha O’Brien’s direction keeps the pace of the work perfectly in check – even in the moments when the script lags a little too long, O’Brien manages to hold the tension and build a world akin to the greats of 80s horror.
There are scenes however that could use some tightening and polish to reign in the performers and really land dramatic intent, but these are minor and rarely distract from the overall CAMP dramaturgy within O’Brien’s direction.
Lib Campbell, Kate Skinner, Megan Kennedy, Lucy X Dunning and Bridget Haberecht are a mind blowing ensemble – effortlessly bouncing off each other and relishing in the genre and style of the work.
Each gives a brilliantly committed performance without ever over shadowing or indulging in scene stealing antics, rather they have all given into the whimsy of the piece and allow their talents to be a joyful exchange with the audience.
Alice Vance’s Set and Costume Design makes terrific use of the limited space, with a wonderful grounding set and drab costumes that soon give way to unnerving surprises and smart creative choices. Caity Cowan’s Lighting and David Molloy’s Video Deigns work hand in hand to breath depth and a richness that not only heightens the work but showcases their talents as artists.
With the return of Belvoir’s 25A, works such as this are once again not only being platformed but are given space to create, experiment, and in the case of Stocktake, embrace the ambitious nature of theatre.
Stocktake
Downstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season continues until 25 October 2026
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Images: Stocktake – photos by Jane Coates
Review: Gavin Roach