A story about crafty cleverness, greed, survival and the bonds of familial love will come to life in Waihi Drama Society's Fantastic Mr Fox.
The youth section has been rehearsing the Roald Dahl novel-inspired play — which is peppered with messages — and are putting on two public performances next weekend.
Director Sandra Timlin says there are lots of themes throughout Fantastic Mr Fox.
''I would say the big one is that one would do anything to protect one's family. It's a moral issue ... the badger says 'it's a bit like stealing' and Mr Fox says 'actually, it's survival.' ''
Fantastic Mr Fox is a cheeky tale about a fox who takes his life in his hands to provide for his family. It brings up questions of morality and greed as the fox must steal to provide food for his family.