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Warkworth Theatre Company is getting ready to bring plenty of laughs to the stage with its upcoming production of Office Hours by Canadian playwright Norm Foster.
Director Lee-Anne Scarth has been part of Warkworth Theatre Company for many years, first becoming involved after arriving in Warkworth in 2001. During that time, she has appeared on stage in numerous productions, as well as stepping behind the scenes to direct a number of shows.
“Office Hours particularly piqued my interest because the humour and situations are absurd, but at the same time they are oh-so relatable,” Lee-Anne says. “There are moments where you find yourself thinking, ‘I know someone just like that!’”
The production features a talented cast of nine actors who have the considerable task of bringing 19 different characters to life. Each has their own personality, quirks and mannerisms, with some actors switching between very different characters throughout the show.
“It has been a great learning curve for the actors. We’ve really focused on the small nuances that make each character unique – how they move, speak and react. The challenge is making the audience see a completely different person, even though they may have seen that same actor playing someone else only moments earlier.”
Set across six interconnected office scenes, Office Hours brings together a mix of characters whose stories start to overlap in unexpected ways. Misunderstandings, relationships and wonderfully ridiculous situations unfold as the connections between them gradually become clear.
With its fast-paced humour, quirky characters and situations that are just a little too familiar, Office Hours promises a great night out and plenty of laughs.
“Come along, support local theatre and see if you recognise a character or two,” Lee-Anne says.
Warkworth Theatre Company’s Office Hours opens on October 29 and runs until November 7. Tickets are available from Mahurangi Matters, online through TryBooking, or at the door.
