Comedy on the cards

A game of bridge turns to utter chaos in Exit Laughing. Photo/supplied

Detour Theatre's latest show, Exit Laughing, is described as a cross between Steel Magnolias and The Golden Girls.

"The play is full of hilarity and pathos with its raucous laughs quickly followed by delightful tender moments the next," says director Kim Williamson.

The show, written by Paul Elliot, was the winner of the American Association of Community Theatre 2014 NewPlayFest. Since then it has been performed around the world. Detour Theatre is proud to be producing the New Zealand premiere.

The play's mayhem begins the moment the old friends arrive at Connie's house for their weekly bridge club where the ladies have decided to have one last fling for Mary, a recently departed dear friend and bridge partner.

By the time the ladies have had a few drinks, revealed a stolen funeral urn containing Mary's ashes, and had a visit from the police, the night has become one that no one is ever going to forget. Who would have thought a game of bridge to lead to such chaos?

"The characters are like people we all know, but at the same time, they are full of surprises. The audience members are going to be nudging each other as they see their friends represented on stage. Think about what your friends would be like if their little foibles were put on steroids," Kim says.

"That's what these characters are like. It's a fantastic night of entertainment and there is no doubt the audience will exit laughing."

The cast of characters includes Jane McKenna as Connie Harland, Bella Hernandez as Rachel Ann, Delwyn Weatherly as Leona, Sue Sorrell as Millie and Francis Collier as Bobby.

Detour Theatre has a record of producing hilarious comedies on the human condition, and with a lot of heart. Recent hits include The Kitchen Witches, The Wedding of the Century and Nana's Naughty Knickers.

Exit Laughing is Detour Theatre's final show for what has been a busy 2017 with productions by English, American, Canadian and New Zealand writers. The theatre makes every effort to present a range of plays - comedy, theatre and classics - so there is something for everyone.

the fine print
What: Exit Laughing
Where: Detour Theatre, Historic Village
When: November 15 to December 2
Tickets: iticket.co.nz or 0508 iTICKET, or Tauranga i-SITE.