Audiences can expect escapist fun with improbable, implausible plot twists and a bit of cross dressing when Woy Woy Little Theatre (WWLT) presents Party Piece at Peninsula Theatre for a three-week season from February 24.
The play sees events unfold in the back gardens of two adjacent neighbours, as Doctor Michael and his wife Roma’s fancy dress house-warming party descends into disaster and chaos.
The action includes a notable shortage of guests, a shed engulfed by smoke and an aerodynamic Zimmer frame.
A fence separates the neighbours, but it has a peep hole which is used to riotous effect for each household to spy on the other as class warfare intensifies.
Director Sarah Lovesy, who makes her debut for WWLT, has directed for Sydney companies, including the Pymble Players and the Elanora Players and is a drama teacher with a degree in Performing Arts, specialising in direction and design.
She helped set up the drama department at the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and was involved in the design of the HSC drama course.
Moving to the Central Coast 18 months ago to be closer to family, Lovesy said she was drawn to direct Party Piece because of its complicated nature.
“It’s a very good farce – quick paced and funny – but it’s also a challenge and is rarely put on by community theatre groups,” she said.
“The set, special effects and props are all very complicated but all add to the hilarity and while the storyline of farces is often very simple, this one has lots of dramatic action.
“There are seven fabulous diverse characters, each with their own story and background and that really appealed to me.”
Lovesy said the rehearsal had been plagues by some difficulties due to illness but that the cast had risen to the occasion beautifully.
“There have been some pressures byt the cast have remained positive,” she said.
“It’s a great play and they all wanted to be part of it.”
The cast comprises Troy Hester, Jenna Arnold, Karyn Wiffen, Terry Matthews, Jessica Curtis, Oliver Shepherd and Katrina Cook.
Party Piece opens for a three-week season at Peninsula Theatre on February 24.
Bookings can be made on the Woy Woy Little Theatre website.
Terry Collins