Tarnished Frocks - it rocks

L-R Jo Longman, Maria Corboy, Leanne Radka at the opening of Tarnished Frocks and Divas. Photo/George Novak

It's a long time since I wasn't old enough to do something I wanted to.

But during the opening night of Tarnished Frocks and Divas, I really wanted to be 40.

I wanted to be old enough to join the divas, who looked as if they were having the time of their lives - doing something just for them - on stage at ASB Arena.

I wanted to dress up in a stunning costume, wear my hair in a way I never dreamed possible and prance in awkwardly high shoes that made my ankles look skinny.

From my seat in the grandstand, I couldn't help feeling pride that this amazing celebration of women - most of them busy mothers, wives and general superwomen - was being held in my home town.

A Tangled Thread is truly a showcase of local creative talent and imagination, led by a team of women who built a one-off show in 2005 to the biennial event it is now, 10 years on.

Kiwi entertainer Jackie Clarke has led each of the five shows and was again joined by Annie Crummer this year.

Together the pair's singing talent and great sense of humour bring character, laughter and energy to the show.

Effortlessly belting out some big hits, they bring experience and confidence to the performance, which clearly lifts that of the local woman sharing the stage.

My standout moment this year was the Hats off to Her section, featuring local singer Michelle Coombe and Clarke performing the Van Morrison hit Gloria.

The great up-beat song, costumes, amazing hats - one of two open-design categories - and storyline gave the scene the fairytale factor.

Yet again the show used a clever combination of technology, raw talent and the magic of theatre to create an experience that shows the local models get as much out of the Tarnished Frocks experience as the audience.

The drama of the Red in the Hood section was another favourite, with sultry costumes and headwear complemented by well choreographed dancing.

It seems Tarnished Frocks has become an event Tauranga women, particularly those in the 40-plus realm, have become fiercely proud of and loyal to - and so they should be.

Tarnished Frocks and Divas - A Tangled Thread
September 16-19, ASB Arena, Mount Maunganui