Art: First-time director tackles comedy

Troy Taylor will direct his first play, Ray Cooney's comedy Funny Money, which opens on March 28 at Repertory Theatre. Photo/Bevan Conley

Troy Taylor had an idea to pitch Funny Money a few years ago after he saw the movie.

"I thought then it would make a good stage show."

And with all good ideas, it has come to fruition.

Taylor will be stepping into his first role as a director with this Repertory Theatre's comedy, and confesses to being a little apprehensive.

Already he has seen the benefits of the challenge as assistant-director in A Christmas Carol, which was a "good learning curve" for the 27-year-old, and a natural progression from acting.

"It's good fun and an incredible confidence booster, and good for public speaking."

Taylor started acting three years ago after he saw an Amdram show.

"I thought, I can do that." And he did, and was hooked when he played the character of Tony, the mean and moody footballer in Abigail's Party.

He went on to play in Habeus Corpus and, last year, Loot.

Yes, there will be moments of high stress, and prompts, but the results will be good, he says. Repertory will hold auditions for Funny Money and is looking for a cast of eight - two women and six men.

There are nine weeks of rehearsals, enough time for the players to get to grips with their characters and learn their lines.

Funny Money is high-energy, with back-to-back laughs and no lulls.

Taylor says it's a well-written script, and had a long season at the West End in London.

English farceur Ray Cooney, now 85, wrote Funny Money, and is reported to be still working at his craft.

Auditions for Funny Money: tomorrow (Sunday), midday to 4pm, Repertory Theatre, Ridgway St. For more information or to book an audition, call Kerry Mountstephen, 027 484 7507 or info@wanganuirepertorytheatre.co.nz

Repertory is also looking for more people for front-of-house and behind the scenes.

If you can help, call Kerry Mountstephen, 027 484 7507 or info@wanganuirepertorytheatre. co.nz