Last week three performances of the quintessentially kiwi comedy “Wheeler’s Luck” written by Nigel Collins, Toby Leach and Damon Andrews were delivered to audiences. This play is a boisterous, action-packed and hilarious take on what happens to a small town when a greedy developer has designs on a much-loved coastal site with historical importance. The play relies on a vast range of quirky and eccentric characters and our boys were able to step up and deliver these diverse characters with conviction, humour and authenticity. From environmentalist Murray, played so convincingly by Chris Proctor to Hugh Kilsby, as the bombastic Mayor and Oscar Bromhead as the arrogant developer right down to the smallest role, the performances were equally assured and carried the play along with their excellent timing and sense of comedy.

Full credit has to be given to the boys who took the parts of women in this play. George Chambers as Trish Trethewyn was a delight and never allowed the affected accent to falter. Trish was very well-supported by her side-kick Molly, played by Harrison Quayle, and the dancing scene with Trish and Molly was the comedic highlight of the first half. Josef Oosthuizen as Cilla Black was another amazing piece of characterisation making it difficult to recognise Josef under the make-up. Kings Tupuola as Queenie De Winkel was definitely an audience favourite who was greeted by gales of laughter every time she came on stage.

The rest of the cast presented a wide range of eccentric characters which were the centrepiece of the comedy. The two policemen, Sergeant Ron and Constable Trev, played by Sean Lagikula and Callum Wallace were particularly crisp with their comic timing. The star of the smaller roles, however, was Jaidyn McCurdy who managed to take on three parts and perform them all with the same incredible authenticity.

Kathy Atkin as Director and Flemming Kristensen as Producer, together with their team of dedicated helpers for costumes, make-up, props and stage design and management should be warmly congratulated on yet another successful and entertaining Lindisfarne production.

Thanks must also go to the team of dedicated boys who worked behind-the-scenes on lighting, sound and stage management. Well done everyone!

Photos from the play can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/.../13725.../albums/72177720299227206

Article added: Monday 30 May 2022