The Guild Theatre, Rockdale’s latest offering is a production of Elizabeth Cole’s It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To), which starts on Friday.
The show features a strong local cast that includes Como’s David Hines as Ron Patterson, who believes he has 11 minutes to live – so he decides to invite the kids around for party pies, pavlova and a strict schedule of events.
As he attempts to tie up the loose ends of his life, all the juicy neuroses of his dysfunctional family come out causing his well-planned final party to unravel.
Coleman’s Aussie humour will be relatable to the audience, as the black comedy delves into imminent death as its subject matter.
Director Sue Stapleton first came across the play when she acted in another of Coleman’s plays, Secret Bridesmaids Business, at The Arts Theatre, Cronulla in 2014, which was directed by Hines.
Hines is a fan of the production, saying “it’s hilarious. Probably one of the funniest plays I’ve ever done.”
The two plays were published together in the same volume and Stapleton found ‘It’s My Party’ just as enjoyable a yarn as ‘Bridesmaids’. Stapleton said the production enlisted a joyous combination of experience and enthusiasm within the ranks of actors as well as crew.
Another of the locals, Anne McMaster of Jannali, is celebrating her 40th year at the theatre, with the role of Dawn Patterson.
Her first involvement was as prompt on Our Town in 1976. Her backstage roles included light and sound operation which she said gave her the opportunity to watch a play evolve from the rehearsal process to opening night.
This time McMaster is onstage and looking forward to bringing Dawn to life through her own process of emotional evolution.
“Audiences may relate to the circumstances but I’m sure they will relate to the humour. Most of us have felt the pangs of ‘if only’ or ‘I wish I had the chance to’ in life,” she said. “Here’s an opportunity to see what might eventuate.”
The season runs until November 26.
Bookings: 9521 6358
- Details: guildtheatre.com.au