Kitting out the KAT cast

Helen Smith is a huge fan of murder-mystery, so who better to be kitting out the cast of KAT Theatre’s next production, Francis Durbridge’s twisty-turny tale, “A Touch of Danger”?

Having recently returned to her hometown and settled in Khandallah, Helen often walks past KAT Theatre’s base at Cochran Hall and was inspired to audition for their latest production after a break from the stage due to Covid.

She had previously been a regular in Whanganui’s summer Shakespeare productions, having played a dog, a fairy, and a sailor among others.

“I was very nervous during the audition,” Helen says.

“Mike, the director, was kind and happy to give me feedback on my performance.

“I didn’t get a part this time but was keen to do pretty much anything backstage, having had good crew experiences before.

“I felt more comfortable taking on wardrobe than something like lighting or production manage- ment.”

Rummaging in the theatre’s clothing store with KAT’s wardrobe guru Michelle Soper has yielded some great 1980s outfits.

“You’re not always sure what will fit,” Helen says. “But we’ve got quite a few options for the women and we’ve sorted the men out now too. They need lots of shirts.”

Further down the track, Helen is keen to audition for a stage role again.

“I recognise some names from shows I’ve seen before at KAT Theatre and it’s great that they offer opportunities to new people who bring a different energy and vibe to productions.

“If I’m not cast, I’d like to stay involved and would probably be happy to do wardrobe again. I enjoy looking after the cast.”

“A Touch of Danger”is a murder mystery withmany red herrings and some very funnymoments.

It opens at Cochran Hall, 106 Cashmere Avenue on 13 July and runs to 22 July. Tickets are available from iTICKET.