Gardener lands first singing role in Mamma Mia

Laura Jeffares and Quinton Hocquard rehearsing for Mama Mia at the Tabard Theatre, Napier. Photo / Duncan Brown

Quinton Hocquard's first ever theatre audition secured him one of the principal roles in the Napier Operatic Society's Mamma Mia, which opens in just over two weeks' time.

In the show he plays Sky, fiance of bride-to-be Sophie, played by Laura Jeffares. Sophie's wish to find her father, and decision to send wedding invitations to three old boyfriends of her mother Donna, sets off multiple shockwaves in the usually sleepy Mediterranean beach resort where she lives.

Hocquard, a self-employed landscape gardener, reckoned the only sort of singing he'd really done until the audition was in the shower, and definitely nothing in public. But encouraged by his wife Laura, he decided to give it a go, and walked away from his audition hoping director Wendy Revell might give him something.

"To be called back and asked to play Sky was quite humbling. It's not a huge role but for me, it's enough time in the spotlight."

The experience has been incredible, he says, and he's certainly not ruling out auditioning for more shows in the future.

Mamma Mia marks only the second major musical theatre production Jeffares has been involved with, although she has enjoyed being on stage since she was a child. A regular singing performer in the Napier Easter competitions, she was singled out by a teacher when she was six, who suggested to her parents that she have vocal lessons.

One of her early mentors, who became a good friend, was singing teacher, the late Frances Burch.

Last year Jeffares was understudy to Daniela-Rose Cepeda, who played Christine in Napier Operatic's Phantom of the Opera. "It was the first big show I'd ever done and it gave me a good understanding of being on stage. To be understudy as well was a real confidence booster, I had such great support and mentoring from [director] Gillian Davies and Daniela."

She hopes audiences take the time to think about the relationships, and ideas of relationships that inform the show. Yes, Abba's timeless tunes are catchy, but there's more to Mamma Mia than just songs, she says.

Sophie is getting married because she thinks that's the right thing to do. "You see the whole dynamic between Sophie and Donna. Because I am a mother myself I can imagine the scenario well, the whole idea about the lifelong bond. That song Slipping Through my Fingers, it's my favourite out of the whole show."

• Mamma Mia, directed by Wendy Revell, Napier Municipal Theatre - 7.30pm, September 27-October 11; 2pm matinees September 28, October 5, October 11. Tickets $31-$45 from Ticketek.