By Norman Robbins
Directed by David Charteris
Season: 16 Jun - 1 Jul

Set in a sinister old library presided over by a portrait of a grim-faced, mad-eyed old man. A dusty lawyer reads a will (involving millions of pounds) to an equally sinister family, one member of which has werewolf tendencies. By Act Three, there are more corpses than live members in the cast. All is revealed as the plot twists and turns to its surprising conclusion. 

By Norman Robbins
Directed by David Charteris
Season: 16 Jun - 1 Jul

Set in a sinister old library presided over by a portrait of a grim-faced, mad-eyed old man. A dusty lawyer reads a will (involving millions of pounds) to an equally sinister family, one member of which has werewolf tendencies. By Act Three, there are more corpses than live members in the cast. All is revealed as the plot twists and turns to its surprising conclusion.

David went straight from the sixth form to touring with Children’s Art Theatre and continued as a professional actor and director for the next 47 years, working in companies all over New Zealand. He started theatre companies in Whanganui and Auckland (with Brenda Simmons) and has been on several national tours with plays and a puppet theatre. He likes to direct comedy as he likes to play comedy himself, but has directed all genres, including musicals and opera. David was awarded a government Most Innovative Tour Award for the Murder Mystery Weekends at the Brian Boru Hotel, Thames.

This will be David’s 119th play as a director. He goes on to perform Sir in The Dresser for the Waiheke Theatre Company and will also direct for them in September. In October, he will present his acclaimed solo show One of Those at the Garnet Station Little Theatre in Westmere.

as Hamilton Penworthy

This is Richard’s first play in over 30 years. “No one asked me recently; it’s always polite to wait till you’re asked”. So he is delighted to join us at the Dolphin. He has had a wide acting career at Downstage, Theatre Corporate, Mercury, TVNZ and NZ Opera, and others. He produced for various companies, including the Marionette Theatre of Australia. He gravitates to what interests him as a creative manager, writer, reviewer, hotel manager, consultant and a project developer in the creative sector.

as Lucien Tomb

John may be a familiar face to many, having performed in a few productions at Dolphin since Party Piece in 2001, most recently in Looking in mid-2015. His other favourite haunts are Ellerslie Theatrical Society, North Shore’s Company Theatre and Titirangi Theatre.

as Emily Tomb

After spending quality time stage managing, directing, managing props, and as a lighting and sound technician, Robyn has returned to her first love – acting. Playing Emily Tomb is challenging, more challenging than teaching a bunch of Year 6 children at a local Mt Eden school. The cast is cool, she’s been having a ball and says it’s even better than being a taxi driver with a plate in her head for five minutes, six years ago.

as Anne Franklin

You may recognise Sheridan from Dolphin’s Rabbit Hole (2015) or Ellerslie Theatrical Society’s I Hate Hamlet (2014). She spends her days as a Year 8 teacher at Bucklands Beach Intermediate, where her theatrical experience is put to use directing school productions and teaching aspiring young playwrights the art of writing for theatre, but mostly pretending to be angrier than she really is at 11- to 12-year-olds running down corridors.

as Agatha Hammond

It’s been a while since Rae has actually performed on stage – more recently she has been directing – but when she read this play and saw what fun it could be, she decided the role of Agatha was meant for her. The fun of being with this great cast has meant that if there is an old lady in another play she might put her hand up for the role.

as Freda Mountjoy

Natasha returns to the Dolphin after having a fabulous time playing the character of Dolly in One Man, Two Guvnors last year. Trained at the Pineapple Performing Arts School in London, and having performed in numerous productions both there and in Auckland, she is excited to be back at the Dolphin with a fantastic cast and director in this super-fun production.

as Dora Tomb

As a primary school teacher in South Auckland for the last five years, Lou would recognise many of the personalities exhibited by the characters in this show. She says it is much easier to deal with children than this family! Theatre is Lou’s way of sharing her passion. She hopes you enjoy watching Dora as much as she did creating her, with the help of David and the cast.

as Peregrine Potter

Of Maori, French and German descent, Wolfgang received his education in the arts in Canada from the age of 19 and he graduated from the Vancouver Film School. After two years, he felt it necessary to reconnect with his own culture, and he returned to pursue his career back here in his homeland.

as Monica Tomb

A recent addition to the Auckland theatre community, Karen relocated from Whanganui after gaining a place on The Actors’ Program (2016). Involvement in all aspects of performing fuels her passion, especially theatre. Most recently she was in As You Like It with Auckland University Outdoor Summer Shakespeare, and she produced Young Auckland Shakespeare with The Merry Wives of Windsor, alongside Stuart Devenie – an incredible experience. She has enjoyed working with David whom she has admired for many years.

as Marcus Tomb

Andrew is active in theatre and musical productions having produced many musical and cabaret events, and has worked backstage in most roles from stage hand to stage manager. He has appeared at Harlequin Musical Theatre in Guys and Dolls and Oliver, and in The Ladykillers and Our Man in Havana at Howick Little Theatre. He maintains an active life by way of enthusiastic participation in singing and cycling.