O'Carroll, who grew up in Matamata, was introduced to the theatre by his father.
His first big role in a show was Frederick in The Sound of Music, while his father played Captain von Trapp. He went on to perform with the Hamilton Operatic Society and in professional productions.
He also worked with the late Rob Guest, describing him as an inspiration.
Eventually he decided he would rather settle down than "live out of a suitcase" and 4 years ago moved to Napier when his wife received a good job offer.
O'Carroll decided to change career and was the first male to graduate from EIT with an early childhood degree. He now works for ABC Learning Centres.
Also a singer-songwriter, O'Carroll has performed acoustic guitar gigs at the Cabana and says if it weren't for Chicago right now, he may well have started a band already.
He has regular jam sessions with neighbours who play music, including Lee Pritchard who wrote a book on the Cabana's history.
When he finds the time, O'Carroll is also training for his second Cape Kidnappers Challenge, in November.
Chicago also stars Deborah Burnside as vaudevillian Velma Kelly, Aryan Coleman as chorus girl Roxie Hart and Ali Beal as Cook County Jail Matron "Mama" Morton.
With the help of director Wendy Revell, O'Carroll says he's been working hard on figuring out Billy.
All the main characters have hidden agendas but Billy never really shows his hand, apart from expecting $5000 for every case he takes on.
"I've put a lot of work in to trying to get under the skin of my character and I feel Billy and I are now seeing eye to eye."
Info
What: Chicago
Where & When: Tabard Theatre, Napier, July 12-28
Tickets: TicketDirect
