Just like the old days

Sharu Delilkan | 16th February 2010

Rehearsal time for (from left) Elaine Vaughan, Bryce Jones, Marie Goudge and Grant Feasey.

Henderson actress Marie Goudge tells Sharu Delilkan why there's something familiar about her latest play.

Marie Goudge is in her element playing Aunty Nola in the Dolphin Theatre's first play of the year, Mum's Choir.

The 73-year-old Henderson resident comes from a musical family. "My mother used to be a pianist for the silent films and my dad had a lovely tenor voice," she says. "Just like in Mum's Choir, we gather around the piano and sing when our family gets together."

The play, written by Alison Quigan and directed by Adey Ramsel, features humour heightened by personalities within the family, creating recognisable family situations with a Kiwi flavour. That's what made Mum's Choir appeal to Goudge. "I love the fact that it's set in New Zealand, as well as all the Kiwi nuances."

Goudge has been a member of the theatre for 35 years, starting from the days when she was at teacher's training college.

She feels honoured to have been taught by Sister Mary Leo, who trained some of the world's finest sopranos including Dame Malvina Major and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. "She knew she could bring out the best in you by encouraging and telling you that you were good."

Goudge decided to audition for the part of Aunty Nola, sister of the deceased Molly, because she reminded her of herself. "I think I'm with it but the family tends to roll their eyes when I make mistakes.

"Which is the same look I get when I say the wrong thing at the wrong time as vacant and forgetful Nola."

Mum's Choir, Dolphin Theatre, 12 Spring St, Onehunga, February 20 to March 13. Tickets: Dolphin Theatre, ph 636 7322

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