NGA MIHI NUI

When we welcomed the cast and creative team of The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race, I joked that the play was itself like a baked potato – warm and comfortingly familiar – but with miso butter. It was an off-hand comment, but the analogy holds true.

Although Melanie Tait has drawn from her personal experience, this community feels familiar to much of New Zealand, and Tait lends her story a generous humour and warmth. But this is not a play stuck in nostalgialand. The people and the issues they grapple with are real and of the here-and-now. The intersection of change and different world views with tradition add that complex miso butter flavour to a delightful comedy.

This is a comedic world that director Anthea Williams knows how to bring to life on stage. I wasn’t aware that Anthea knew both the play and the playwright when I asked her to direct, but it is not surprising that these smart, funny and talented women would know each other. Anthea has assembled a cast of equally smart, funny and talented women, joined by a fantastic creative team. Rosie Gilmore’s set and Giles Tanner’s lighting capture the ochre beauty of Australia and allow us to move seamlessly from hair salon to bandstand. Matt Short has created atmospheric soundscapes and sourced music that is the soundtrack to this world. Pam Jones brings her wealth of experience and eye for detail to costumes that help each character feel fully realised. Their work is superbly supported by stage managers, Jo Bunce and Ben Freeth. Light and sound operation is in Geoff Nunn’s capable hands.

It has been delightful seeing the work of the cast and creative team of The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race come together; I hope you will find the same enjoyment in its performance. Bon appétit!

Dr Alison Walls Artistic Director / Pou Kaitohu Toi