Dannevirke: Gary's happy to take centre stage

John Keys (left), the adjudicator at the Hawke's Bay TheatreFest, presents the trophy for the best actor to Dannevirke's Gary Mitchelmore for his role as Fender in The Bespoke Overcoat. Photo / Supplied

As president of the Dannevirke Theatre Company Gary Mitchelmore is more likely to be behind the scenes of a production, but being on stage at Hawke's Bay TheatreFest has won him a deserved award.

As director of the Dannevirke Theatre Company's production The Bespoke Overcoat, Mr Mitchelmore also stepped up to the role of Fender, winning the trophy for best actor in Hastings recently.

Mr Mitchelmore hasn't been on stage in a long time, but earned plenty of accolades from adjudicator Ken Keys.

"Gary, as Fender, was, I thought, superb," he said. "Every inflection, every gesture, movement, facial change and timing showed an experienced performer completely in command of his character."

Also in the production were Graham Lund as Morry, Callum Mitchelmore as Ranting and Joel Dean as the clerk.

The Dannevirke production was praised by Mr Keys for capturing the essentials of a timeless piece of theatre.

"It was true to its Jewishness and the simplest and drabbest of costumes, [the actors'] physical appearance and the furniture and props all transported us quietly into some vague past period. The lighting and sound were empathic, evocative and totally effective."

The two youngest cast members, Callum and Joel, gave strong support to the two main characters and Joel's mother Michelle said they were both encouraged by the feedback they received.

"Gary hasn't been on stage for such a long time, but he's very good," she said. "The standard of the seven productions at the event was very high and the acting amazing."

Mr Keys said Graham Lund captured the brandy-sodden soft-hearted Morry very effectively.

"The dynamic between the two, Fender and Morry, was the great strength of this production."

After a performance of the two one-act plays, The Bespoke Overcoat and the Pahiatua Repertory Company's Waiting for Dogget at the Fountain Company tomorrow night, the two productions will take part in the lower North Island regional TheatreFest in Pahiatua on August 21-22 at the Regent Downstairs.