Howick Little Theatre’s final production for 2022 is described as a “gentle and lovely” play about the strength of families in the face of unexpected challenges.
Penel Keegan directs the theatre’s telling of Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s comedy Hilda’s Yard from November 12 to December 3.
It is set in the swinging 1960s and centres on Sam and Hilda Fluck, a couple starting to enjoy having their home to themselves after their adult children have moved out.
Their peaceful home “turns to chaos” when their unemployed son and their daughter turn up unannounced.
“Hilda and Sam have finally got their empty nest after their two children have left home, or so they think,” Keegan says.
“First their son Gary comes back. He’s being chased for a debt.
“Secondly their daughter Janey comes home as she’s decided she doesn’t like being married because she has to clean the toilets.
“Just when you think you’ve got rid of your children, back they come.”
The entirety of the story takes part in the Flucks’ backyard over the course of a single day, Keegan says.
“There’s no set change and no change of costume, which is great.
“There is no great message [in the story] except the love of family for each other, that parents will love their children no matter what they do or how exasperating they are.
“They can drive you crazy but at the end of the day you still love them and it’s good they know that.”
Keegan says the cast is “absolutely marvellous” to work with.
“I have an amazing production co-ordinator in Laurie Mills and I have a great cast who are working extremely hard to bring this to life.
“I’m very pleased with them. I’m thrilled with who I’ve got.
“They all seem to get on well which is lovely and which I find very important when I cast a play.”
Keegan encourages people to get along to see Hilda’s Yard as it’s a relaxing theatrical way to wind down toward Christmas.
“Come and have a laugh and a touch of the warm fuzzies,” she says.
“This is a gentle, lovely play and it’s not going to challenge anybody in any way.
“It’s going to amuse because families are families and no matter where or when they’re set, they all have the same sort of thing going on.
“This play is light-hearted and it’s a lovely family comedy for the end of year, a vehicle to make people feel good.”
- Hilda’s Yard
Directed by Penel Keegan
Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga
Season: November 12 to December 3, shows at 8pm, with 2pm matinees on November 13 and 20.
www.hlt.org.nz
