THE melodramatic setting of a wedding anniversary, with all of its potential for family conflict, is being tackled by a community theatre.
Kevin’s Bed, by Irish dramatist Bernard Farrell, takes a wicked and wry look at Dan and Doris’ golden wedding anniversary.
It’s a time to return to their old home and join celebrations as they contemplate life in disarray.
Their silver anniversary, set in the 1970s, was a time of groovy music, eternal optimism and focus on their expectations for their sons, John and Kevin.
The title character, Kevin, is played by former Saint Kentigern College student Nigel Wilson.
“The main thing is that it’s funny and it’s a contrast,” says the 32-year-old. “There are a lot of plot twists and a good mix of nostalgia and drama.”
Playing Maria is 28-year-old Naomi Jones, who has possibly the hardest job in the play.
She has had to learn a lot of dialogue in Italian, which she speaks for the whole of the first act. For the rest of the play, she needs to speak with an Italian accent.
Director Laurie Mills, who has overseen more than a dozen plays at the Howick Little Theatre, says what attracts him to the story is the time frame.
“What I thrive on is plays not of today – plays that are not contemporary but are set somewhere in the past.
“Although the play is Irish in its setting, the heightened sense of humanity and strong family relationships with their ups and downs are themes a New Zealand audience will recognise.”
• Kevin’s Bed runs from July 17 to August 7 at 8pm, with 6pm matinees on July 18 and 25, at the Howick Little Theatre, Sir Lloyd Drive, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and students. To book, email tickets@hlt.org.nz or phone (09) 534-1406.
