Director takes role in witty play

Audiences will see tales of love, humour and despair unfold in a one room set for Amdram's production of Motel. Photo Bevan Conley.

IT is not suitable for a family night out but it promises scenes that are "witty, slick and unforgettable", says director Joan Street.

The adult-themed Motel is Amdram Theatre's next production opening on June 8 and it promises suspense and surprises for audiences.

Written by Wellington-based playwright April Phillips, the play has themes that underscore the transience of life, love and death.

English-born Phillips is also an actor and singer with more than a passing Whanganui connection. She attended school here and acted opposite Prince Edward in the play Charley's Aunt at Wanganui Collegiate as a 17-year-old.

"I taught her at Whanganui Girls' College, then acted with her for a few years at Four Seasons and Repertory Theatres," says Street. "She performs, writes plays and directs films, and she is an excellent singer and actor."

Joan and Mike Street have previously directed Phillips' plays Stiff, Death and Taxes and Bonking James Bond.

Motel is set in one room of a run-down motel where pairs of characters deliver their stories to a "fly-on-the-wall" audience.

Scenes are linked by the "unwittingly humorous" motel manager as the four different stories develop.

Joan Street will play a character in one of the stories opposite husband Mike as well as directing a seasoned cast made up of Chris McKenzie, Lynn Whiteside, Chris McLaughlin, Mel Hawkins, Paul Keene and Talia Annear-Kjoss.

Motel will have a two week season with performances from Thursday to Saturday on both weeks and a matinee performance on Sunday, June 11.

Tickets are $20 or $18 for Andram members and seniors with the option of adding an antipasto platter for two for $20 (a selection of cheeses, olives, deli meats with dips and breads).

Motel - Amdram Theatre, 171 Guyton St, Thursday, June 8, Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 at 7.30pm, Sunday, June 11 at 2pm, Thursday, June 15, Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 at 7.30pm. Bookings at Royal Wanganui Opera House or online at royaloperahouse.co.nz.