Muster for Footrot Flats actors

Musical Theatre Gisborne plans to stage Footrot Flats - The Musical and will hold auditions this weekend so rattle yer dags and get in behind. Picture supplied

Thirty years have passed since Musical Theatre Gisborne staged Footrot Flats and now director Theresa Campbell is in search of performers to do it all again.

This time though, the musical based on the nation’s favourite cartoon characters will be staged at the War Memorial Theatre and Campbell is in search of performers to play the likes of Wal, Dog and Cheeky Hobson.

Written by New Zealand playwright Roger Hall with lyrics by humourist AK Grant and music composed by Philip Norman, the play is very funny, says Campbell.

As this year marks the first anniversary of Footrot Flats creator Murray Ball’s passing, and the Wal and Dog sculpture’s relocation to front of the upgraded public library, the production is topical, says Campbell.

“I like what we did the first time,” she says.

“In some ways it has to be the same because you have to be true to the script and characters. But this time we will have different actors and we will be performing on the big War Memorial Theatre stage.”

The show has 14 parts available with several female roles (including ewes).

The musical is different from the movie, says Campbell. It has several sub-plots but the main plot centres on Cheeky and Wal when Cheeky tries to get Wal to move into town to live.

“Cheeky doesn’t like the country because it’s smelly and dirty.”

But will Wal like city living? We’ll have to wait and see.

The first step is to find a cast. Previous experience is desirable but not essential, says Campbell.

“It’s demanding vocally but if beginners have some ability and can take direction we can fill in the gaps.”

Perusal scripts are available from Stephen Jones Photography.Auditions will be held at the Musical Theatre Gisborne rooms in Innes Street on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm both days.