Many will praise Centrelink: The Musical for its wit and insight, as well as its admirable performances. Conceived by Rohan Harry and written by Adam Willson, the production is darkly intelligent, scandalously funny and possibly even offensively truthful. This is a piece about real people, by real people and for real people. More importantly it brings to the stage a slice of Australian life that is often overlooked.

Director Ross Vosvotekas guides an artful path between pathos, playing vulnerability against authority and also male against female. Despite the sound being weak and some of the vocals faint, the cast hits most of the right chords. The result is a very amusing work that packs an unexpected punch.

Anna Cheney is marvellous as Janine, a civil servant who dreams of being a dancer. In her dole queue, four customers wait in line to lodge their fortnightly forms. Each character has a story to tell. Sarah Busuttil is wonderful as Renee, a single mother who wishes she’d used protection. The best lines and arguably the best songs go to Gary (Luke Florence), who delivers them both perfectly. Gary is long term unemployed. He’s been ‘preparing for work’ for 20 years and is still at the research stage.

This production doesn't qualify as a Centrelink-approved activity, but Centrelink The Musical is bitterly comical, skilfully crafted and much more fun than working for the dole. Higher Ground until March 16.