This stag do challenges stereotypes

MANLY MEN: The cast of Stag Weekend (left to right) Thomas Knowles, Kieran Foster, Andrew Ford and Ben van Lier. PHOTO: BRENDON LODGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Bachelor parties are known for their crazy antics and Centrepoint's latest production is no exception.

Stag Weekend will be on stage for an extended season from April 1.

The production, written by Dan Bain and Brendon Bennetts, was inspired from a conversation about a wayward stag do.

Director Jeff Kingsford-Brown brings together this crew of four men with varying ideas about what the weekend should include.

The play throws together loads of laughs as the men set out to get themselves a stag in the Tararuas.

Groom Simon (Keiran Foster) is searching for what it takes to be a "real man" in today's society and looks to his friends for guidance.

Andrew (Andrew Ford) appears to have it all mapped out -- he's got the career and has plans for his future. But his persona starts to falter as he meets the rough reality of the bush.

"Stag Weekend manages to combine big, broad laughs," Ford said. "It's also a thoughtful and heartfelt examination of what it means to be a man in New Zealand -- an important topic."

Tim (Ben van Lier) is an alternative character who has to face the idea life isn't always a walk in the park. He says he is looking forward to performing in a show that brings both comedy and drama together.

"Comedy is probably my favourite genre to perform and it's been a while since I've had the opportunity to do so. A lot of laughs with a bit of drama sprinkled over the top -- what more could you ask for?"

The fourth man is traditional Kiwi bloke Gary (Thomas Knowles). He struggles to understand why his friend is happy to partake in activities that don't comprise of hunting, drinking, vomiting and building. After all isn't that what blokes do?

The four personalities clash but with this a lot of laughter erupts. They debate over which is better: gladwrapping the groom to a pole or golfing and wine tasting? Stag Weekend, Centrepoint Theatre, April 1-May 14. TICKETS: Adult $40, Under 30/Community Services Card/Senior $32, Tertiary $20, High School $18, Group 10+ $36 per person. Phone (06) 354-5740 or visit www.centrepoint.co.nz.