Play proceeds benefit Whanganui Women's Network

Director Graham Dack with cast and crew members present their cheque to Christina Emery and Carla Donson. Photo/Lewis Gardner

Theatre people are not known for their deep pockets but a group of Whanganui thespians and their production team have raised $1800 for a worthy cause.

Whanganui Women's Network manager Carla Donson and treasurer Christina Emery were delighted to accept a cheque presented by the cast and crew of Behind closed Doors performed at Amdram Theatre.

The production was one of almost 100 events that were part of La Fiesta Women's Festival this year and director Graham Dack said audience numbers were very pleasing.

"We had decent numbers throughout and the house was almost full on the final night.

"If we'd had a longer run, we could have raised a lot more but it was very good of Amdram to provide the venue for the four nights."

Behind closed Doors, written by English playwright Janet Shaw, tackles the confronting topic of domestic violence head on but she injected some light humour into the script because "no one wants to go to the theatre and feel totally demoralised".

The Whanganui cast added their own tweaks to their characters and Richard Faaresi, who played Eddie Heptinstall in his first acting role, said he has been stopped in the supermarket by people who wanted to talk about the play.

"Two women have crossed the road to avoid me," said Julian Annear, who gave a very convincing performance as violent husband Vernon Pollock.

Nigel Irwin got to provide some of the play's lightest moments as fancy man Thomas who is a fictional character dreamed up by Eddie's wife Pearl (Sarah Riley-Curtis).

"It had been about 20 years since I last performed in a play," he said.

Two couples at different ends of the socio-economic spectrum were drawn together by the engagement of their children Sandra Heptinstall (Charlotte Elgar) and Tarquin Pollock (Ronan Shaw).

Pearl Heptinstall and Harriet Pollock (Annie Whitfield) became unlikely friends in the play which had a happy ending of sorts when Thomas turned up as Eddie's fantasy "woman".

Mr Dack said the success of the performances and the generosity of everyone involved meant that Whanganui Women's Refuge would also receive a donation.

Ms Emery said the bequest to Whanganui Women's Network would be a big help towards the 5000 consultations and support work undertaken by the organisation each year.

The annual La Fiesta event was bigger and better than ever this year and Ms Donson wanted to thank sponsors, participants and volunteers for making it a success.