At Home With The Sheridans - Roxy Lane Theatre Company

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

Set in Perth’s leafy Western Suburbs, At Home With The Sheridans is a locally-written comedy-drama that dips into class tensions, deception, and the messiness of human ambition — all from within the comfort of an elegantly appointed living room.

Jim Chantry’s set design, complemented by Kirsten Halford-Bailey’s detailed set dressing, is a standout. With its tasteful décor, plush lounge suite, and familiar Western Suburbs aesthetic, the design firmly roots the play in time and place, offering just the right blend of realism and theatrical polish. Tim Risen’s lighting supports the tone without distraction, while Luke Heath’s sound design is not only atmospheric but integral to the unfolding story. Celeste Lopez’s costumes clearly define character and class — though the impeccable fit of a supposedly stolen jacket stretches credibility just a little. A wig worn by Lisa Divall as Zoe also reads somewhat artificial in an otherwise grounded visual world.

We’re introduced early to Jake (Michael Hewson) and Marilyn (Genevieve Wilson), caught mid-robbery. While they’re technically the “bad guys,” they’re written and performed with enough warmth to draw us in. Wilson, in particular, brings sharp comic timing to the role. While Marilyn begins as something of a stock-standard, bumbling burglar, her character reveals surprising depth in Act Two — adding heart and dimension to what could have been a one-note role. Hewson offers strong support, and the pair build a believable if unconventional, camaraderie.

Less convincing is the relationship between Max (Chris Harris) and Zoe. For a couple meant to have been entangled in an eight-month affair — not to mention working together — there’s little sense of chemistry or shared history between them. Their scenes lack the tension and urgency that would give the narrative more emotional weight.

One of the play’s weaker points is its ending, which feels somewhat abrupt. Beth’s (Emma Kirby) late-stage moral pivot comes a bit too quickly, and given she only appears in the second half, we don’t quite get enough insight into her motivations for the twist to land with full impact. A few more moments exploring this transformation could give the resolution more bite.

From a technical standpoint, the production would benefit from snappier blackouts between scenes. The curtain at Roxy Lane is notoriously slow, so faster lighting transitions could help maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary pauses.

Still, At Home With The Sheridans is a solid production that speaks to local audiences with a distinctly Perth flavour. Yvette Wall’s script plays with social dynamics and suburban facades in a way that feels both familiar and gently provocative. With well-realised design, committed performances, and a healthy dose of humour, it’s a night of theatre that entertains while nudging us to look a little closer at who we trust — and why.

Reviewer Note: Kate has previously worked with members of this cast and crew. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.