With over a decade in arts management, Liz Walker makes a successful debut as playwright in the one-woman show, Playworn. 

Walker’s rather frank and endearingly monotonous delivery style quickly wins over the crowd as we find ourselves laughing at things we probably shouldn’t, amongst a crash course of eerily relatable dating woes, parent relationship dynamics and revenge against problematic employers. 

Strategically, Walker has partnered up with award-winning director Izzy McDonald to bring this bizarre story of self-pity and finding friends in unexpected places to FRINGE WORLD. McDonald’s influence on the work shines through in this well-received maiden voyage for Walker, who regales the audience with the story of how she finds herself at a friend's wake. 

Small delights for the audience, including lunch-box-sized chip packets, colourful in-content confetti and miniature toy cars (in condition consistent with age) make Rehearsal Room 1 at the State Theatre Centre of WA feel intimate. In fact, the personal touches throughout the performance, including times where Walker seemed surprised by audience reactions, made us feel like we were listening to our friend tell a whirlwind story. 

At times, it seems as though Walker may have stumbled over lines or got lost in parts of the script, but the audience was on her side. The beauty of the playwright/ performer combination is that Walker knew the story inside and out, and a cheeky smile was enough to get things back on track. 

Izzy McDonald and Liz Walker are a perfect creative duo, and I suspect they will find even more success if they continue to bring out the best in each other in new projects. 

Playworn is real, unapologetically raw and a safe bet for anyone looking to enjoy some of Perth’s newest theatre.