Behind the scenes look at TV talent show

Jess Sayer (left) and Darlene Mohekey. Photo / Stephen Parker

Lovers of all things theatrical are in for a huge treat this summer with some of the country's top multi-talented performers testing their limits at the latest Blue Baths comedy cabaret.

The Choice will see audience interaction taken to another level in the show directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand, written by Darlene Mohekey and Jess Sayer, and choreographed by the Okareka Dance Company's Taiaroa Royal.

The show centres around a weird and wonderful talent show unlike any other and is a parody of shows like X-Factor and New Zealand's Got Talent where each night the audience will choose the winner.

The Rotorua Daily Post spoke to co-writers Ms Mohekey and Miss Sayer, who promised a family-friendly show with something for everyone.

Miss Sayer recently received the 2015 Bruce Mason Award for up and coming playwrights and said just six actors would perform the roles of 50 people vying for your votes on the night.

Ms Mohekey is part of the cast along with Bronwyn Turei (Go Girls), Aaron Ward (Nothing Trivial) and Rutene Spooner (Whale Rider) alongside Blue Baths favourites Jason Chasland and Tainui Kuru.

"It's set in a TV studio where you also get to see the behind the scenes antics of the cast," Ms Mohekey said.

"There'll be rapping, tapping, boy-banding, opera, yodelling - everything you'd see on a talent show - and more."

"We're hoping there will be elements of each character people will recognise in people you know as the characters are all based in the Bay of Plenty," Miss Sayer said.

"We have no idea who will win each night so the cast will be competing against each other, and their own characters. We think it will be cool for the audience to see what it would be like in the audience of a real TV talent show.

"There's an act to appeal to everyone in the audience and it's a total family experience with less of the burlesque or risque there's been in previous shows."

Details:

* Where: The Blue Baths

* When: January 22 to February 26 at 8pm

* How much: Cabaret-style seating $45-$55, senior citizens $35, grandstands $25, cheap Tuesday, January 26 $25

* Tickets: www.bluebaths.co.nz, or call (07) 350 2119.