GET ready for a story of a dysfunctional family where deceit and denial are rampant.

Written by WA local Yvette Wall and directed by Dale James, Pulling Weeds is one of three short plays on offer at Stirling Theatre under the collective title “Famous Family Felonies”.

When Carla returns home unexpectedly from London to visit her dying father Joe, family tensions are quickly revived and old patterns play out. 

“The family is much like Joe’s neglected garden – a mess and full of weeds,” Yvette said. 

“I’m interested in how some people remain in denial of certain things, some for their entire lives, and it becomes a comfort zone for them.” 

Dale said Yvette’s script reminded her of a family that lived next door to her when she was a child.

“Yvette has a talent for writing plays and Pulling Weeds has both humour and sadness,” she said.

“It’s also giving me the challenge of directing new actors and returning to Stirling Theatre, where I last directed Calendar Girls.”

Joining Pulling Weeds for Famous Family Felonies are the plays A Dame Remembers and Fluff.

Performances are 8pm February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 with a 2pm matinee February 13. Tickets are $22, $20 concession – book at www.trybooking.com/BUQHK.  

Stirling Theatre is on Morris Place, Innaloo.