Cast leads merry, revealing dance
The Naked Truth. Written by Dave Simpson, produced by Nelson Repertory Theatre. Theatre Royal, June 13-16. Reviewed by Hugh Neill
Five women join a pole dancing class, five very different women with little in common but each with a reason and story to tell for attending. By the end they form a strong bond and a friendship that will last as they support each other through their trials and tribulations, and discover themselves.
Gabby, perfectly portrayed by super fit Sarah Stewart, runs the fitness group at the Village Hall and starts the pole dancing class with the intention of whipping the five into shape. It was hard to believe that this was her first time on stage. And I for one hope it’s not her last.
In fact, for three of the actors this was their first time and they all did a commendable job. The other actors that appeared were Francesca Beckett, playing Bev, a person supposedly perfectly comfortable with her body shape.
Sophie Holland, who is still attending Waimea College, plays Faith, who is desperate to find herself a man.
Livvi Lloyd plays super bitch Trisha, who is not as confident as might appear on the surface.
Maree Hatton plays Sarah, who in many ways is the central character and becomes the turning point of the play as a result of her revelations as she suggests that the five perform at a charity gala to bring awareness and raise funds for the cause.
I have seen Maree in a number of shows and was most impressed by the way that she underplayed her character and developed so many different layers to the role. The final character is Rita, played by Naomi Strain, who brought her talents from competitive roller derby to the role.
In many ‘‘firsts’’, this was Molly Brealey’s debut as director, and she did a commendable job. One could see the wonderful bonding that she’d developed over the many months of rehearsal with her cast. She even had to perform on stage, as one of the actresses playing the shorter roles fell ill at the last moment.
As one would expect, the set and lighting design by such theatre stalwarts Arnott Potter and Brendon McGrath complemented the action on stage perfectly.
My only slight criticism of the production is that I would have reduced the need for so many costume changes in order to reduce the gaps between the multiple scenes to allow the story to flow better.
But overall this was a good production of what, in many ways, was a difficult play. You try dancing on a pole in front of a live audience for the first time!
It was easy to see the enjoyment that all the actors were having on stage.
If you want a fun night out, then this could be the one for you.
And it will appeal to men as well as women, even if we males are the butt of many of the jokes throughout the play.