It seems destined that Peta Mathias would pop up in Tarnished Frocks and Divas. The woman known for her outrageous humour, exuberant embracement of life and flamboyant fashion is just made for the show.
Particularly apt as she joins the 2017 performance, its name Zoetica loosely translating to 'life, passion, bravery'.
"Peta epitomises the values and the exuberance we celebrate in Tarnished Frocks and Divas," says executive producer Denny Spee, in expressing her delight that this busy chef, author, entertainer, broadcaster and leader of culinary tours has been able to fit another commitment into her tight schedule.
In actual fact Peta can't perform in the traditional way. Here's where technology triumphs. When Peta 'appears' in Zoetica at the end of August she will be at her winter home in Uzes in the south of France running regular cuisine workshops and preparing to host culinary tours to Marrakech, the Basque Country, Puglia in Italy and India.
"In Zoetica I play the part of a powerful businesswoman. I am so desperately fabulous and busy travelling the world that you can only get hold of me by Skype." The technical innovation, special effects and use of a huge screen that have enhanced the Tarnished Frocks and Divas experience in recent shows will be taken several steps further for this performance.
Technical director Paul Innes explains, "We've refined the approach with the AV to be more immersive in Zoetica, more part of the story about these courageous women and their wonderful outfits. With Peta, we've pre-recorded a performance where she interacts with the cast. She'll be popping in from time to time to throw a spanner in the works."
"My name is Lucille and you cross me at your peril," says Peta. "I've always wanted to play a bitch or bad nurse and here I am!"
Peta says as Zoetica is set in the 1980s, there will be plenty of big shoulders, big hair, big makeup, big jewellery, big shoulders.
"Actually, I never dressed like this in the 80s as I was living in Paris and very influenced by Parisian women. Okay, so I did wear big shoulder pads!"
Peta Mathias is well known for her stage show Peta Unplugged, her many books celebrating life as a fabulous female, and especially for her passion for food, a culinary love affair which dates back to a restaurant she opened in Paris in 1984. Will food feature in Zoetica?
"I don't think I am giving too much away by saying there is a food element in my role. Suffice to say it's a dramatic contribution and there are egg whites involved. I like stories of transformation - egg whites start off being disgusting; beat them and they become beautiful white light."
Tarnished Frocks and Divas, now into its seventh biennial performance, is always a story of transformation. It's one Peta is thrilled to be part of. "I said yes to Zoetica because of the charity aspect, because I love stage shows and because anything that empowers women is okay by me."
Peta is sorry she won't be present in person at the performances.
"I will miss seeing the fabulous Jackie Clarke," she comments. Jackie's part in Zoetica? Well that's another story.
*Tarnished Frocks and Divas 2017 show, Zoetica, ASB Stadium, August 30 to September 2. www.petamathias.com