Local stages get set for plenty of laughs

Wanganui's theatre groups are preparing for a trio of light-hearted entertainment to hit the stage in July, August and September.
First up is the River City Players' Alan Bennett production, Prison Porn and Pathos.
In it, the veteran English playwright has three characters talking about their lives.
They will be played by Joan Street, Talia Annear-Kjoss and Karen Ellett - all seasoned actors.
Mrs Street's husband Mike will oversee the production and present two short sketches, also by Alan Bennett.
The production runs in the Gilligan Theatre at Wanganui Collegiate School from July 16 to 23 and the profits will go to Hospice Wanganui.The August production is at the Repertory Theatre and also by Alan Bennett. Following the success of Abigail's Party, it is the much-loved farce Habeas Corpus and has the same production team.
Director Mark Rayner said the clever play revolved around two forbidden themes beloved of popular farceurs: namely sex and death, especially the former.
It sends up the traditional British farce and is packed with stock-in-trade characters, from quick-witted charwoman to lascivious vicar.
The convoluted plot follows the exploits of the seemingly upstanding Wicksteed family and includes the mix-ups, misunderstandings and mistaken identities that occur when three strangers come into their midst - one of them intent on revenge.
Auditions will be held on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at the Repertory Theatre in Ridgway St. Interested people are invited to a pre-audition get together at 12pm to talk about the production and collect audition scripts.
For more information or to book an audition time, contact habeascorpusnz@gmail.com or text/phone 027 270 9497.In September, Amdram Musical Theatre puts on one of the most popular off-Broadway musicals of the past 15 years.
Called I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, it was written by Joe DiPietro with music by Jimmy Roberts. The Wanganui director will be Gretchen Nijsse.
The show focuses on the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage. Production manager Edwyna McDonald said it was hilarious and best suited for people aged over 16.
Auditions for a cast of four males and four females took place last weekend. Mrs McDonald said each character played at least four different roles. Two singing and acting males, aged over 20, are still needed. That show runs from September 9 to 23.