Lauren Ward and Rebecca-Jo Roberts [Johan Persson]

SET in a Seattle washroom, Stalled, a female-led musical by Liesl Wilke, Andy Marsh and Kyle Puccia, focuses on mother-daughter relationships.

Maggie (Lauren Ward), the new toilet attendant, meets a frazzled mother, a neurodivergent daughter, a fierce 16-year-old poet and a queer computer scientist, all navigating life in the city in Vikki Stone’s engaging production.

We quickly realise that Maggie has her own reasons for hanging out in the restroom with her daughter Robin (Rebecca-Jo Roberts) as she tries to help the various troubled people she encounters.

Krystal (Regina Co) hasn’t told her family she’s gay and her mum (Cezerah Bonner) keeps sending her pictures of men to date. Serena (Evita Khrime) has aspirations in spoken word, but is derailed by her relationship with an older man.

Cynthia (Josie Benson) worries about her neurodivergent daughter’s inability to conform. Emma (Grace Venus) just wants to be accepted for herself, her love of numbers and the colour blue.

The score is made up of poignant ballads and stirring anthems. Fronted by Ward and Benson, the vocals are terrific. The small live band are a delight and each cast member gets a moment to shine as they articulate their fears and frustrations in song.

Maggie offers comfort and advice as the characters bond over Emily Bestow’s wash basins and mirrors.

However, the story is a tad predictable and occasionally feels cluttered with several characters and plotlines all competing for our attention in just 90 minutes.

Inevitably, a couple of characters are sketchily drawn, but it’s hard not be moved by this heartfelt musical.

Until March 23
kingsheadtheatre.com