Ashlyn Morris (left) and Maddi McKenzie are Ethel and Cecil respectively in Dick Whittington and his Cat.
PICTURE / JACQUI MCKENZIE
Ethel and Cecil are sisters from a Taranaki dairy farming family who are responsible for the continuity throughout Repertory Theatre's upcoming production of Dick Whittington and His Cat.
They sing, crack jokes and encourage audience participation. I thought Cecil, played by Maddi McKenzie should be "Cecilia", but I was told no,
her farming family wanted a son so "Cecil" it is.
Maddi's been involved in theatre since she was six so has already acquired an impressive theatrical resume. As well as appearing in several Amdram and Repertory Theatre productions she's also directing an intermediate play for Amdram's Starlets group. Not only has she taken part in Wanganui Intermediate School plays (Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland) and Wanganui High School plays, Maddi played parts in both of the recent Shakespeare in the Park productions. She was Banquo's son Fleance in Macbeth and Iris in The Tempest.
As Cecil, Maddi plays the younger, but much smarter sister.
"Cecil reads the situation accurately. Although Ethel tries to control her, Cecil's no pushover," Maddi said.
Ashlyn Morris plays the part of older sister Ethel.
"She's quite funny," says Ashlyn. "Ethel aspires to be an opera singer but she's really a terrible singer, which is quite a hoot. She doesn't realise how bad she is. She cares for her younger sister and is quite protective of her, but at the same time is afraid of being overshadowed by her."
Theatre's been an important part of Ashlyn's life since she was four. She's 29 now so that's a quarter of a century spent treading the boards. She's kept busy gaining two degrees, one in social work and one in performing arts while continuing her involvement in community theatre.
Ashlyn and Maddi seem happy working together. They'll give the panto that upbeat vibe that all pantomimes thrive on.
Dick Whittington and His Cat is written by Roger Hall and directed by Chris McKenzie.
Performances are at 6.30pm on December 13, 14, 20 and 21, with matinee shows (2pm) on December 15, 16, 22 and 23. Tickets from the Royal Wanganui Opera House. Door sales will be available for cash only.
