Satirical comedy shines light on school dinosaurs

In a scene from Kings of the Gym are Sheree Wereta (left), Chris Davidson, Adrienne Hurley and Will Couper. Photo / Supplied

Kings of the Gym

Napier Repertory Players

Season: October 28 to November 7

With 40 years of theatrical involvement behind him, David Brock is directing the four-strong cast in Kings of the Gym, a satirical comedy written by New Zealand playwright Dave Armstrong.

The play explores current educational thinking as ambitious Principal Viv Cleaver endeavours to transform low-decile Hautapu High School. In this she faces some challenges.

First and foremost is the phys-ed department, in particular, the incumbent PE teacher and "king of the gym," Laurie Connor. He is unfit and unmotivated, spending his time in the gym watching TV and placing bets on the horses.

"He's a dinosaur," director David Brock says.

"He has no interest in the new curriculum and his only saving grace is that the kids love him.

"He's very naughty, as he knows the principal cannot replace him."

When, for the first time ever, he is challenged with the responsibility of a phys-ed student on teaching section - a female - and he is completely out of his comfort zone. Annie Tupua is a star netballer and she is also a Christian fundamentalist. Plenty of opportunities for humour and conflict here.

Kings of the Gym is showing at the Little Theatre, 76 McGrath St, Napier.

Tickets are available from Municipal Theatre, Tennyson St, Napier.