Challenge of 'two' plays

Bill Walker and his cast have been rehearsing over and over to get their timings right in farce. Photo / Michael Cunningham

It is 1974 and a troupe of actors are taking a naughty British farce on a tour of provincial New Zealand - the premise of Whangarei Girls' High School's latest theatrical offering, Noises Off.

Unfortunately, there are as many hijinks and cross-loves happening between the farce's cast as there are in the show they are performing. The result is two farces occurring at the same time - one onstage and one backstage.

Using a revolving set, Noises Off reveals both comedies to the real audience for an evening of gags, risque humour and slapstick.

There are four casts in this year's WGHS graduation production, with each student performing at least twice.

Director and head of drama Bill Walker said this was the most demanding graduation production so far for the school.

With two plays occurring simultaneously on stage, and no less than 10 doors opening and closing, precision and comic timing was essential. Therefore it had to be rehearsed over and over.

"I am confident, however, that the marvellous students I am working with will pull off some great nights at the theatre," Mr Walker said.

-Noises Off is on at WGHS Hall, September 9"12, 7.30pm, and closes with a matinee at 1pm on September 13. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $8 for students and beneficiaries. For bookings call 430 4460.