Wanganui Repertory performs Last of the Summer Wine

The last of the Summer Wine will be hitting the stage in Whanganui.

The play from British TV series Last of the Summer Wine had been planned as a Whanganui Repertory Christmas production, but that all changed when director Glenn Cameron had to return to the River City months earlier.

"Nothing to do with the play, really," Glenn said.

"The thing is, we had been living in Hastings for four years when the property market there turned into a nightmare. It was an absolute housing crisis over there.

"Our rental house was sold and we couldn't get another place - landlords were screaming for huge rents so we decided to head back to Whanganui."

The Thursday they arrived back - just five weeks ago - Glenn had to be at the Repertory Theatre to cast the play and get rehearsals under way ... and move into a house.

Being a lover of British TV sitcoms, Glenn has directed versions of Black Adder, Fawlty Towers and 'Allo 'Allo in Whanganui, which meant directing Last of the Summer Wine would be a loved project - even though the five-week rehearsal was very skimpy.

The plot involves three male senior citizens unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, who have never really grown up.

They explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales and spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favoured by the elderly.

Glenn said it was tough at first working with actors who weren't hugely experienced.

"But I got very lucky with the calibre of people who auditioned, thank goodness."

When Glenn arrived in the Hawke's Bay four years ago he auditioned and was cast in a production of Last of the Summer Wine.

"I didn't even know there was a play. I loved it so was determined to do it as a Whanganui production."

There have been trials and tribulations through the short rehearsal period, he said.

"But I can honestly say we're ready - maybe because of the pressure we've been under."

There was a gala opening on Friday night and performances are at the Repertory Theatre in Ridgway Street from Saturday, July 29, at 7.30pm, a matinee on Sunday, July 30, at 2pm, then Thursday to Saturday, August 3-5 at 7.30pm.

After having a breather, Glenn is hoping to return to teaching drama in schools again.

"I used to teach at Nga Tawa and I enjoy working with young people - they are very creative."