News Archive

Nicole Dennis
Connections editorial assistant

Fourteen amateur thespians, most with an Avondale College connection, took their rendition of theatrical production Men at Arms to Newcastle's Playhouse, August 29 and 30.

The play, adapted by Stephen Briggs from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series of comic fantasy novels, tells of high tension in Ank-Morpork. Captain Vimes (Andrew Taylor) and Corporal Carrot (Levi Gardner) must use their keen police skills to solve two (or is it three?) murders before the Dwarfs and the Trolls tear the city apart. "I love the themes in the play, about accepting other cultures, other lifestyles, and celebrating and embracing differences," says director and Avondale alumna Kristin Thiele.

In addition to Andrew and Levi, Kristin's cast of current and former Avondale students included Vivienne Banuag, Linley Lee, Katie Page, Chris Riley, Kenton Shields, Daniel Vokurka and Paul Winchcombe, and men's residence assistant director Shane Roberts, who played Lord Havlock Vetinary. Katie, a third-year communication major, says the cast "were very funny people and were really fun to work with." Up to 15 others, such as alumnus Luke Doyle, who designed the costumes, supported the cast in behind-the-scenes roles.

Nursing student Hensley Bayeta, a member of the audience on opening night, enjoyed the production. "The comedy made it interesting and knowing some of the actors added excitement." Kristin enjoyed watching the actors bring their characters to life. "I love theatre because telling a story through live action can be more meaningful and moving than any other medium, but the difficulty is finding people who have the same passion. Fortunately, I found some."

Caption: Current and former Avondale students and an Avondale staff member brought characters from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series of comic fantasy novels to life in Men at Arms, which they presented at Newcastle's Playhouse.
Credit: Luke Doyle