Bride, groom and restroom | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Loo-dicrous lines and innuendo liven up a bridal party's pre-match function in Papakura, writes Sharu Delilkan.

Allan Wyatt is not only "banging in the nails" on the set of Stags and Hens, but also learning his lines.

Besides overseeing construction of the set for Papakura Theatre Company's next show, the 52-year-old from Manurewa also has a role in the show, playing the part of a "roadie" who tries, and fails, to set up the amp and microphone for a rock'n'roll singer.

Written by Willy Russell, who also wrote the internationally acclaimed Blood Brothers, Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, the play is set in a trashy 1970s' disco where (a bride) and her groom-to-be, Dave, are each holding their hen and stag nights - on the same night.

There's bound to be problems and there's bound to be laughs.

"Learning just a few lines has renewed my respect for the actors," says Wyatt. "I don't think I will be looking to tackle any major roles in the future, especially considering the amount time taken to learn 11 lines."

Director and set designer Adey Ramsel lobs in a bit of verbal support.

"It's refreshing working with someone like Allan who turns his hand to everything. It's great to have someone who always says 'yes' and then works out how to do it."

Ramsel is equally complimentary of Wyatt's realisation of his designs. "Allan and his capable team have done a great job."

The complex set is laid out in three sections on two levels - one above, with two other, lower, sections being the Ladies and Gents toilets, where most of the dialogue takes place.

Wyatt, a stonemason, says with a wolfish grin, "It's almost a little bit sad creating a set and partially destroying it, to create the tacky effect we need. But I can't deny that the best bit was being given the license to kick a hole in the Gents' wall."

Stags and Hens, Off Broadway Theatre, Elliot St, Papakura, until Aug 28. Tickets: ph 361 1000 or see www.iticket.co.nz