Local troupe stages play-within-a-play comedies
Marlborough Repertory Society players Paul Southey, left, Aley Matthews, Peter Morice and Amanda Tollemache get into character before their 31 July rehearsal at the Boathouse Theatre. Photo: Evan Tuchinsky.
Actors put pieces of themselves into every character they portray, no matter how much that persona diverges from their real-life personality. Marlborough Repertory Society’s cast of four in the upcoming production of “Little Grimley” comedies can draw on communal experience as well.
The two one-act plays, culled from writer David Tristram’s repertoire, mine the rich vein of community theatre. “Last Tango in Little Grimley” and “The Fat Lady Sings in Little Grimley” show a troupe of passionate amateurs muddling their way through stagecraft. Antics ensue.
Bringing this to life at the Boathouse Theatre are Aley Matthews, Peter Morice, Paul Southey and Amanda Tollemache – guided by first-time director Abby James, with support and mentorship from Bridget McNamara.
How much does the material resonate with them?
“I’m afraid to say, there’s a lot of truth in it,” Amanda confessed, her castmates chuckling.
Kernels of truth? "It’s not kernels – it’s the full cob,” Paul retorted. “Maybe with a bite taken out of it.”
Sense of sensibilities
Indeed, Abby observed before her actors gathered at Friday’s rehearsal, the play-within-a-play concept puts a mirror up to what local societies undergo.
“It’s a slightly distorted mirror, perhaps,” she continued. “I haven’t been involved with something quite so dysfunctional. But people who have been involved in theatre or on committees recognise the ring of truth and also the humour [“Little Grimley”] approaches it all with.”
The humour inspired the repertory committee to produce this playbill with Abby at the helm. She has been a mainstay, both on stage and backstage, for 16 years. The British comedic style hits her funny bone flush, and once the cast performed the first readthrough, confidence coalesced.
“This is exactly the sort of thing I would like to go watch,” Abby said. “And enjoy.”
At a glance:
“Little Grimley”
Where: Boathouse Theatre
When:
12-15 August, 7:30pm
16 August, 4pm
18-22 August, 7:30pm
Tickets: boathousetheatre.co.nz