Laughs from the past come to life

Waipukurau Little Theatre marks 130 years of drama

Iwas lucky enough to get a sneak peek of Waipukurau Little Theatre’s double-bill celebrating 130 years of CHB drama, and it was delightful.

As the curtain rises, we are treated to a step back in time. Director Jules Hamilton has masterfully recreated an evening of “merriment and shenanigans” from 130 years ago.

Within moments, Danny Priestly as Mr Tobias Whiffles draws giggles from the crowd, his big voice and even bigger personality matched only by Wendy Waldrom’s impressive Mrs Jemima Whiffles as they play off each other beautifully.

As Mr and Mrs Whiffles plot their social climb with on-point comic timing, we meet their sweet daughter Miss Lydia Whiffles, played by Rosie White, who absolutely nails her air of innocent bewilderment throughout.

The Whiffles are soon joined by the fantastic Mr John Brownjohn, played by Connor Hirst, whose performance could keep a grand hall of viewers enthralled. His schemes and airs completely beguile the lovely Lydia and have Mr and Mrs Whiffle whirling to keep up. The arrival of

Mr Pygmalion Phibbs, brought to fiery life by Edward Carleton-Holmes, brings chuckles before heading firmly into guffaw territory. With “Piggy” Phibbs stuck in the middle of schemes and plots waged by the Whiffles and Mr Brownjohn, the stage is set for brilliant chaos. The play was clever and engaging, it kept me captivated to the final word.

Next was a beautiful musical performance by Anneke Gelling on violin, Geert Gelling on cello and Di Jeromson on keyboard. To have such talented musicians play in such an intimate setting is a rare and special treat.

Curtain up for the second play, and it took only moments for Mr Cox played by Connor Hirst to have giggles rising from the crowd.

Mr Box was hilariously portrayed by Edward Carleton-Holmes, two old friends caught up at their old boarding house attended by the ever-suffering Mrs Bouncer, played to perfection by Megan Adie. The two introduce their wives. The hilarity continues. The contentious byplay between Mrs Cox, played by Rosie White, and Mrs Box, played by Rachelle Dekker, was brilliant, with expert comic timing and knowing looks between the two making for an absolute riot.

The double entendres peppered throughout the script got many a giggle from the crowd, and special mention must go to Mr Box’s narration of a scuffle while he watched from the window, which had me almost in tears laughing.

The Little Theatre has outdone itself. The set was a gem, the costumes beautiful. The challenges of speaking “Victorian English” well met. A big round of applause for director Jules Hamilton, who choreographed such brilliant entertainment. It was nice to see the care taken to pay tribute to the original show. It all came together so well.

Celebrating 130 years of CHB Drama is absolutely a mustsee, although you may get a tad sore from laughing!

I was so swept away with the whole performance I arrived home a bit peckish, and swept through the doors with a cry of, “Piggy, stir your stumps, bring the bread!”

Alas, only to find that I, like poor Mr Whiffles, must fetch my own supper.

Season runs until November 4. Tickets at Betta Electrical Waipukurau, or eventfinda