An adaptation of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer-winning 1947 play A Street Car Named Desire now playing at the Roundhouse Theatre is a lesson in how conflicting relationship issues are timeless.

Presented by the La Boite Theatre Company, the play’s cast of eight features Bridie Carter (McLeod's Daughters) as Blanche. Kristal West (The Voice 2014) together with musician and actress Parmis Rose provide the modernised musical accompaniment. Set in a two-bedroom apartment in the slum of New Orleans, William's play demonstrates how raw human emotions can often conflict with the expectations of society.

The character of the vivacious Blanche gave actress Bridie Carter carte blanche (sorry it was irresistible) to overact the drunken and lascivious Mississippi neurotic. I couldn’t help but be entertainingly reminded of the character Blanche Devereux from The Golden Girls. Bridie seems to relish Blanche’s predilection of flirting with men whilst playing the innocent victim, all the while with a sardonic smile in place.

Travis McMahon (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries) encapsulates the character of Stanley Kowalski with a deep, malicious voice. A voice that resonated in the famous scene where he begs for Stella's forgiveness bellowing 'Stella' repeatedly at the top of his voice. His mistreated wife Stella is his antithesis. Portrayed by Ngoc Phan, Stella is a quiet, appeasing younger woman bullied into submission by both Stanley and her sister Blanche.

This production is a straightforward but well-executed reproduction of the renowned play of poverty, pride and violence in 1940s America way down south. But it has the added novelty of a modern live band and the powerful voice of Kristal West. Be warned the unique closeness of the circular seating directly draws the audience into the at times violent and confronting affray. A Street Car Named Desire will play until the 12th of November. 

 Dr Gemma Regan