Kelly Wyllie (left), Kim Torrez, Kim Mitchell and Avenir Maurirere star in Thunderstruck, the quirky and light-hearted new play coming to Evolution Theatre Gisborne this Friday and Saturday.
Kelly Wyllie (left), Kim Torrez, Kim Mitchell and Avenir Maurirere star in Thunderstruck, the quirky and light-hearted new play coming to Evolution Theatre Gisborne this Friday and Saturday.
Thunderstruck, the quirky new play written and directed by Gisborne playwright Charlie Holland, will premiere at Evolution Theatre on Friday.
All proceeds from ticket sales go towards Takitimu Marae in Waituhi, along with any funds raised from raffles drawn on the night.
The play includes performances from three first-time actors,Kim Torrez, Avenir Mauririere and Kelly Wyllie, along with Kim Mitchell, who recently played Delores in Gisborne Centre Stage’s production of Sister Act.
Audiences will be taken on a superhuman journey throughout the play, in a blend of humour and the bizarre.
“Imagine being gifted with a ‘superpower’, but then discovering that your power is quite useless and will only activate at the most inconvenient moment,” says Holland.
Three mature cousins – the sensible Ani, the vivacious Pip and the free-spirited Flash – handle this situation in different ways, all the while being kept in check by the flirtatious and foxy tavern owner, Dolly.
The play is set in a fictitious bay with definite East Coast vibes, and gives audiences a glimpse of the crazy antics people get up to when placed in an awkward situation.
Holland said the story highlights the bonds between whānau and the personal characteristics that can only be appreciated and tolerated by cousins.
Kim Torrez (left), Avenir Maurirere and Kelly Wyllie will make their debut performances in Thunderstruck, the new play coming to Evolution Theatre this Friday and Saturday.
“Working with three debut actors is exciting – the way they have melded their personalities with those of their characters makes for a naturally anarchic comedy,” Holland said.
“We were also lucky enough to have Kim Mitchell join us straight from the recent musical, Sister Act.
“Mitchell’s experience has helped set the pace for this fast-moving piece.”
Thunderstruck is supported by the Margaret King Spencer Writers Encouragement Trust, with the aim of growing the theatregoing community by igniting a curiosity and enjoyment for first-timers.
General Admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased from trybooking.com.
