Australian playwright Sue Smith’s new play ‘Strange Attractor’ is set in a remote railway construction camp deep in Western Australia’s mining country at the time when one of their own, Gus (Sandy Winton) loses his life during a vicious cyclone. A small band of employees anxiously await the arrival of ‘the company man’, Colin (Darren Gilshenan), sent up from Perth to do his own investigation before the coronal inquiry takes place. By the time Colin leaves the camp has been rocked to its core.

It’s a familiar enough narrative, the looking behind the surface that unlocks a whole other story scenario, that is given a very solid treatment in Nick Marchand’s Griffin Theatre production. The plays highlight is the way that it vividly and authentically depicts the rough, roll with the punches world of the miners. This is due to Smith’s assured writing, but even more so to a strong cast.

I’ve seen Blazey Best many times over the years, mainly performing in musical theatre, and she shows a whole new side as she transforms herself into the role of Truckie, by name and nature. The same goes for Peter Kowitz who I used to see often perform at the Ensemble Theatre in roles in sophisticated, middle class dramas. His playing of the character of Taipan is very different terrain.

Nick Marchand’s production of Sue Smith’s ‘Strange Attractor’ plays the Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross, until November 21.