Young stage enthusiasts in the crew

Former WHS student Reid Tucker (left) and Jamie O'Hagan are two young men assisting with the production of Repertory Theatre's next offering Ringing the Changes.
PHOTO / Ashleigh Morris

Jamie O'Hagan and Reid Tucker are two young men assisting with the production of Repertory Theatre's next offering Ringing the Changes.

Both of them have already been involved in Rep's productions before and have enjoyed the experience.

"I just love everything about it," Reid says.

"The theatre people help me get through the hard times and I do enjoy seeing a play come together."

Reid's not on stage this time as he's assistant stage manager and will be organising the backstage crew. He's also been helping Phil Hudson with building the set, just as he did for The Pohutukawa Tree, Middle Age Spread and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jamie O'Hagan is on stage playing the part of the youngest member of the MacArthur family, Richard.

"He's quite mischievous, likes to play practical jokes and does a lot of sneaky things behind his father's back, encouraged by his grandmother.

"He's Grandma's favourite and she spoils him. He's close to her and he does a lot with her," Jamie says.

This will be Jamie's second play with Repertory Theatre. Last year he was in The Pohutukawa Tree.

"It's good playing Richard because in The Pohutukawa Tree I was a bad guy, but this time I'm playing a funny, kind, good guy."

In his final year at Cullinane College Jamie is studying dance and drama but dreams of doing something quite different. He dreams of getting into wrestling school for TV entertainment. I'd never heard of it but he assured me it wasn't like sumo wrestling — no nappies!

"It's highly competitive and hard to get into."

One can only wish these two young men the best for the future. In the meantime Repertory Theatre is lucky to have them on board.

Wanganui Midweek 20/6/18