News Archives - Page 3 of 4 - New Plymouth Little Theatre

Enchanted April takes out top award at Toscars

We had a wonderful night celebrating our 2020 season at our annual theatre awards, The Toscars. Read on to hear from our President Stella McCallum and find out who nabbed the top gongs!

President Stella McCallum’s speech at The 2020 Toscars
Thanks to you all for coming to celebrate our achievements of 2020. Tonight marks the 52nd Toscars celebration. A tradition that’s even older than me, but not by much.

Last year was challenging for theatres all around the world. As President of New Plymouth Little Theatre, I am extremely proud of how we all pulled together as a community to bring two enjoyable shows to our patrons whilst ensuring that we keep everyone safe by following Government-directed preventative measures and guidelines. We, as a committee, place great importance on the health and wellbeing of our community and despite significant interruptions to normal operations, we can report another successful year of profitable shows.

Those interruptions resulted in a nine-month rehearsal and production season for Enchanted April by Matthew Barber – directed by Vivienne Baty. The team on and off stage displayed a remarkable resilience during this time, even rehearsing online to ensure they brought our patrons a quality show and welcome relief during a stressful time.

Our Christmas show this year saw the return of a hilarious, old favourite; A Kick in the Baubles by Gordon Steele – directed by Christine King.

Both plays were well received by patrons and reviewers.

Characters from the play standing and pointing at each other — *A Kick in the Baubles*

In addition to these shows, we continue to host Singer Songwriters and Taranaki Theatre Sports. We also hosted a memorial for a special and well-loved member of our theatre community; Derek Treeby.

Last year, we successfully secured $175,322 from the Department of Internal Affairs via the Lotteries Commission. Together with donations from office bearers, from Gordon Craig for work completed by Brian Smith, earnings from restored antique equipment sold and a contribution from theatre funds, a total of $228,940 was raised to launch a project managed by our theatre representative, Brian Smith, which has seen structural reinforcements and renovations that will secure the future of New Zealand’s oldest theatre.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a special word of thanks to our working group team, comprising Brian Smith, Chris Larsen, Graham Blanks, Andy Spindler, Tony Pearce, Sonya Armstrong, Sorrell Hoskin and Andrew Priest, who have toiled many, many hours to ensure the project’s success.

I would also like to make special mention of our patron Andy Spindler who recently transferred to Hamilton. Fortunately, Andy has offered to remain in the position of Patron and on behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you for your wisdom and support.

We are also grateful for continued sponsorship from Primo Wireless and Mediaworks.

We’ve had an exciting year ahead to look forward to. Last month, we presented our first show of the year, the Broadway hit, Sylvia, directed by Nicci Smith. Our winter show is the New Zealand community theatre premiere of The Full Monty directed by John Lawson and our Christmas show this year will be directed by Mary Barron and I, The Vicar of Dibley at Christmas. I hope you all come to see and support these wonderful shows.

Now, I’d like to move on the the awards. We will hear from our adjudicator after the supper break but I would like to present some awards to a few people who don’t usually step on stage but they keep this place working and entertaining the community. Before I do so, I would like to thank every single person who has contributed to the running of the theatre and its shows over the last year, particularly in such a climate of health concern and uncertainty.

President awards
President’s Cup – Mary Barron
Backstage Excellence – Brian Smith
Best Club Member – Graham Banks and Sorrell Hoskin
Technical Excellence – Derek Baker
Distinguished Service to the Theatre – Chris Larsen

Show awards
Most Promising Performer – Suzy Adair (A Kick in the Baubles)
Best Supporting Actress – Glenys Horsfall (Enchanted April)
Best Supporting Actor – Adam Sedgwick (A Kick in the Baubles)
Best Actress – Vicky Fairley (Enchanted April)
Best Actor – John Lawson (A Kick in the Baubles)
Best Set (Stagecraft Cup) – John Lawson – (Enchanted April)
Best Production – (Enchanted April)

Behind the scenes: Week three at The Full Monty

Morris West is one of the six leading men in the New Zealand community theatre premiere of The Full Monty. Every week he’s going to give us a behind the scenes peep at The Full Monty rehearsals, the cheeky shenanigans, and the naked photo shoots. This is week three of rehearsals and Morris has been enjoying some time at the spa, and with his gnomes.

This week I discovered the importance of actually reading messages and not just having a ‘man-look’.

Production manager Tash Paton sent out the info for the big photo shoot. This was sent midweek and when I read it I saw Sunday at 2pm and read no further.

Morris West, Regan Tate, Jimmy Bovaird, Brad Duynhoven, Howard Rozon and Tyler McGlone are the six leading men in the New Zealand amateur premiere of The Full Monty. PHOTOS CREDIT: MONIQUE MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

A spray tan was booked and carried out by Zen Day Spa, (who tried to find out if we are going “Full Monty”, and no I didn’t tell them)

I sent out the photo to a few who might like to know, only to be asked, “Great, but will that last until the 16^th, when the photo shoot is scheduled?” Still it looked great for Marisa, the Emcee for the Toscars.

Congratulations to John “ALAN, ALAN” Lawson for his victories, ahead of stern opposition, (for stern read none), and to others in the cast who picked up awards. Also well done to Jor-El Shaman, Charlie Couchman and me for their entertainment items on the Toscars.

*Morris and his gnome got a spray tan at Zen Day Spa. Just for fun.*

As of mid-week, with that final, lone ticket selling, we officially became a bunch of sell-outs.

Gillian Gibbon, aka Linda Luv, discovered the danger of listening to advice from men, who told her, “You can throw that gnome, it’s solid resin and won’t break.” We have since discovered they are not solid and do indeed break, resulting in garden gnome Happy Pete becoming pirate Lucky Pete, or Not-so-lucky Pete, with one eye, a hook hand and a wooden leg.

Finally, I can settle an age-old myth: I have now been dark skinned for four days and my willy hasn’t got any longer.

THE DETAILS: The Full Monty, a play by Simon Beaufoy and directed by John Lawson, is on at New Plymouth Little Theatre from July 14 to July 31. Thirteen shows have sold out, so we’ve added a Girls’ Night out and a Monty Matinee. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday May 5 at noon, at iticket.co.nz. They are $30.

Backstage at The Full Monty – Week two

Morris West is one of the six leading men in the New Zealand community theatre premiere of The Full Monty. Every week he’s going to give us a behind the scenes peep at The Full Monty rehearsals, the cheeky shenanigans, and the naked photo shoots. This is week two of rehearsals and already the men are practicing getting their gear off in front of a crowd of ladies.

Week two done and dusted and the ladies at rehearsals are impressed that we’ve already got round to undress rehearsals, some more than others, (undress that is, well both actually).

Despite our main marketing gal Taryn’s Facebook bans, we have still managed to sell out the original season. Extra nights, along with special nights, and a matinee, are already planned. Don’t worry Taryn, the peach will be released, we know your cheeky posts have got a bum deal, but we’ll get to the bottom of it, so don’t crack up.

*This nice peachy bum keeps getting our marketing team banned from Facebook*

Director John Lawson and his helpers continue to do amazing work on the set. I know I’ve never been involved in a show where set, marketing and ticket sales have been so far advanced.

April Krijger gave the boys their first taste of her amazing choreography and as the expert in two left feet and lack of timing, I absolutely loved it, so did the ladies watching.

The question I get asked the most is, “So, do you get your kit off?” My reply, “You’ll have to buy a ticket.” To which I now usually add, “If you can get one.”

The cast continue to get into their lines and accents, but I’ll sign off now as I still haven’t prepared my stuff for the Toscars.

NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GET YOUR GEAR OFF!

Backstage with Full Monty man Morris West

Having now discovered that The Full Monty has nothing to do with the Monty Python that I thought I was auditioning for, it’s great to have week one in the theatre done and dusted, and what a week it was.

Director John Lawson’s fantastic work on the set is looking awesome already and working really well.

Taryn Raynes is throwing herself wildly into promotion, but more of her fetishes next time, because by the time you read this the glossies of the boys will already be out there.

Quite a few have used the time before we got into the theatre to get into their lines, so that’s great progress, keep it up. Unfortunately Alan, (ALAN!, ALAN!, ALAN!), only has his script down because he forgets to take it with him on stage.

So time for a few statistics.

At the time of writing there were 86 days till we open. That’s 2064 hours, or 123,840 minutes.

Between Terry Darby, as oldest, and Flynn Wilson, as youngest, there are more than 56 years, or 20,710 days.

For the strippers, Morris to Tyler McGlone is a mere 48 years, or 14,155 days.

My dialogue, in the script, comprises some 2600 words, or 20,000 when John is doing it.

It’s great to see so many supporting those on stage during rehearsals too.

Act 1 is now blocked, so it’s on to Act 2 this week.

Mighty Mo signing off.

THE DETAILS: The Full Monty, a play by Simon Beaufoy and directed by John Lawson, is on at New Plymouth Little Theatre from July 14 to July 31. Early Bird tickets went on sale at noon on Wednesday April 21 at iticket.co.nz. They are $25 with the code “TAKEITOFF”

The men behind The Full Monty revealed

Stripping on stage and dancing around naked is about to be all in a night’s work for New Plymouth engineer Jimmy Bovaird.

The 29-year-old has landed the lead role in the New Zealand community theatre premiere of the hit play The Full Monty, which opens at Little Theatre in July.

“It’s a bit nerve wracking but I’m really excited to be a part of this,” Bovaird says.

“When I auditioned I didn’t think I’d get the lead role and have to get down to nothing, but I’m actually really looking forward to the stripping. That’s going to be the fun part.”

Morris West, Regan Tate, Jimmy Bovaird, Brad Duynhoven, Howard Rozon and Tyler McGlone are the six leading men in the New Zealand community theatre premiere of The Full Monty. CREDIT: MONIQUE MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

Bovaird, who has previously starred in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Priscilla Queen of the Desert is playing Gaz, an unemployed steelworker from Sheffield.

His fiancé Jazz Gallagher suggested he audition for the award-winning show, which is based on the 1997 blockbuster movie.

Gallagher, who has also landed a role in The Full Monty, says she’s not worried about other women ogling her man.

“I’m really just showing off my fiancé,” she says, laughing.

“He’s already put a ring on it.”

***Jazz Gallagher suggested her fiancé Jimmy Bovaird audition for the New Zealand amateur premiere of the award-winning show, The Full Monty. CREDIT: MONIQUE MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY***

The famous story follows six ordinary blokes as they have a crack at getting their gear off on stage. The six mates bare their bodies, and sometimes their hearts as they set out to make some cash and repair relationships.

Just like in the movie, Bovaird’s stripping troupe is made up of four younger blokes and two older men.

Taranaki’s young eye candy has been found in 26-year-old Regan Tate, 25-year-old Tyler McGlone and 32-year-old Brad Duynhoven.

Rounding out the six strippers are seasoned entertainers Morris West and Howard Rozon.

Rozon is the former president of Operatic Society and was hunted out by Little Theatre to play the greatest dancer of the troupe, Horse.

“I jumped at the opportunity before I realised what I was actually in for,” Rozon says, laughing.

“I was hoping for maybe a small part, not actually showing my small parts.”

West, who has been in more than 80 plays across three different countries, is raring to go and even wore his favourite g-string to the first rehearsal.

“I wanted to give everyone a laugh and stir them up,” he says.

“That’s the great thing about theatre, you get to be someone else. And the adrenaline kick is pretty good too.”

Director John Lawson says he’s thrilled with the cast of 24 and his team is already hard at work.

“I was really impressed with the level of talent at auditions. We’ve got a great blend of seasoned actors, up and comers and there’s also a couple of newbies as well.

“It’s going to be a cracker of a show.”

As well as the above actors, the cast for The Full Monty includes Flynn Wilson, Emma Glučina, Chris Morrison, Charlie Couchman, Holly Winter, Gillian Gibbon, Alex Sheehan, Tash Paton, Terry Darby, Harsh Negi, Karen Janes, Katherine Wolfe, Jor-El Shaman, Pete Jennings, and Shona Edwards.

THE DETAILS: The Full Monty, a play by Simon Beaufoy and directed by John Lawson, is on at New Plymouth Little Theatre from July 14 to July 31. Early Bird tickets go on sale at noon on Wednesday April 21 from iticket.co.nz. They are $25 with the code “TAKEITOFF”

Words by Taryn Raynes and photography by Monique Matthews Photography

1 234