Talented cast bringing classic to stage

• Published date: 24 June 2021
• Publication title: Central Otago News

The crew from Ferndale circa 1992 are ready to sing and dance their way into your heart, and the actors behind the characters cannot wait to get on stage.

‘‘We have an amazing cast for this year’s production of Shortland Street The Musical,’’ says director, Lisa Clough.

‘‘Because Shortland Street is such an iconic part of Kiwi culture, we had plenty of talented people audition.

‘‘Our cast is diverse, multi-faceted, and lots of fun."

The cast comprises performers from all over Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes district and includes a few rugby players, a teacher or two, a lineman for the county, and a local politician.

Shortland Street The Musical debuted in Auckland in 2019, to rave reviews, and the Kauri Theatre in Wellington has just completed its season.

Fine Thyme Theatre Company is taking the honours of being the first company in the South Island to bring this hilarious interpretation of the well-known soap drama to stage.

‘‘Our cast and crew have been hard at work these past few weeks learning songs, running lines, and figuring out how to make muffins tap dance.’’

Shortland Street The Musical will run from July 16 to 24, in the Cromwell College Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information, go to the Fine Thyme Theatre Company’s Facebook page, or visit fttc.co.nz

CREATIVE FLAIR PUTS CLASSIC SHOW ON THE STAGE

Fine Thyme Theatre Company is going all out in this year’s production of Shortland Street The Musical.

In addition to a cast contingent of 20 actors, singers, and dancers from all over Central Otago, they have enlisted the help of an experienced and enthusiastic creative team to bring this Kiwi classic to life.

The director for this production, Lisa Clough, was born with drama in her blood.

As a precocious and dramatic child, Lisa was encouraged into speech and drama as an outlet for her intensity.

She holds a diploma in teaching Speech and Drama from the Trinity College of London, has taught music and drama in schools, and co-managed ‘‘Drama Queenstown’’ with the late and wonderful Kate Moeataua from 2010-18.

Lisa is now following her passion for directing while managing a little munchkin of her own.

Gilly Pugh, a veteran performing arts practitioner from Wanaka, has taken the role of musical director for this production.

After teaching herself piano at age 10, and later abandoning a nearly completed music degree in pursuit of performing, she has spent her adult life performing, directing, writing, touring and teaching.

Gilly is...