Actor Jason Chasland (centre) with budding Rotorua actors Ciara Griffiths, 11, and her brother, Ronan Griffiths, 12. Photo / Ben Fraser
Actor Jason Chasland (centre) with budding Rotorua actors Ciara Griffiths, 11, and her brother, Ronan Griffiths, 12. Photo / Ben Fraser
It was a family affair for Marj Griffiths and her grandchildren, Ronan and Ciara, as the last of the back stories for the next Blue Baths summer season play was filmed.
First Mrs Griffiths starred with 25 residents from The Gardens Retirement Village as part of the back stories andyesterday budding acting youngsters Ronan, 12, and his sister, Ciara, 11, characterised the children of paediatrician Dr Gary, played by Australian-based actor Jason Chasland.
Dr Gary is just one of the seven characters Mr Chasland will play in The Choice. The show will star five other multi-talented actors who will transform into 17 different acts and reality show contestants. At the end of the show the audience is asked to vote on who they think is the best.
As part of the show, flashbacks or back stories have been filmed at locations around Rotorua using locals in supporting roles to make the reality drama more alive.
The Rotorua talent show co-written by Darlene Mohekey and Jess Sayer is a parody based on reality shows like The X Factor, The Voice and American Idol. Ms Sayer, who was just named the 2015 Bruce Mason Award-winning playwright, said the kids were a natural choice because they loved drama, were very good at it, and were happy to jump in and do anything.
The Griffiths have been big supporters of the Blue Baths theatre shows for more than three years. After being involved in the Blue Baths pantomime drama workshops both Ronan and Ciara have gone on to take regular speech and drama classes.
For 76-year-old Mrs Griffiths it's a thrill to look back to see her grandchildren enjoying what she did at the same age.
"They're both very keen and very good. At their age I was entering the Rotorua speech and drama competitions too, which is amazing," she said.
