Director returns for comic look at Kiwi dating

THE DATING GAME: The cast of Take a Chance on Me play divorces or widows seeking love - and the people they meet along the way.

A comic Kiwi take on the dating scene has beckoned a long-time theatre enthusiast back to the director's chair.

John Gilberthorpe is directing renowned playwright Roger Hall's ensemble comedy Take a Chance on Me at Greytown Little Theatre, opening at the end of the month.

The play features a group of middle aged characters looking for either love or meaningless sex after having been separated or widowed.

Mr Gilberthorpe, a former Wellington city councillor, has been involved in theatre since the late 70s, either as a director, chief executive or founding member, but took "a sabbatical" to focus on other commitments.

While he has been stage manager for several shows since relocating to Greytown eight years ago, this will be his first Wairarapa production as director.

"It was about time I got back into directing," Mr Gilberthorpe said.

"I thought I'd go for a Roger Hall play, as he's a social observer and he perfectly captures life in middle New Zealand.

"People in the audience will easily recognise themselves in the characters up on stage."

In Take A Chance on Me, six strangers -- a pharmacist, lawyer, school teacher, army wife, out-of-work banker, and a "dreadful" plumber - meet for dinner.

They discuss their attempts at a new relationship, telling stories of less-than-trustworthy phone and online dating, disastrous blind dates, and experiments with "the oldest profession in the book".

A host of new characters, from divorce lawyers, to line dancers, to dating coaches to new lovers, are then introduced, who both help and hinder the singletons in their quest for love.

These characters are all played by seasoned actors Yvonne Way and Colton Stuart.

"They play 37 characters all together -- Yvonne counted," Mr Gilberthorpe said.

"There are all types: kids, adults, old women, Yvonne plays a Thai lady, Colton plays four different waiters. They're doing a brilliant job."

Mr Gilberthorpe said the play explores the nervousness which comes with a new relationships, both comically and with sensitivity.

"It's not always a rip-roaring comedy -- there's plenty of pathos, and some bits will make you a bit teary.

"The characters are very easy to sympathise with, except Brian the plumber, who's just obnoxious."

Mr Gilberthorpe himself was one of the founding members of BATS Theatre in Wellington, where he directed a number of plays and was involved with set construction and lighting.

In 1996, he was appointed chief executive of the Wellington Museums Trust and helped develop the Capital E National Theatre for Children.

Since settling in Greytown, Mr Gilberthorpe has chaired Toi Wairarapa and been a trustee of the Kokomai Creative Festival and Cobblestone Museum. He says he has most enjoyed working with the cast of Take a Chance on Me, and with Greytown musicians Zac and Holly Winterwood, who have composed the original music.

Take a Chance on Me runs from March to April 9 at 8pm, with a matinee on April 3 at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased from The Village Art Shop.