A small local theatre group has rehearsed for ten weeks to bring the hilarious play ‘Ladies Night’ to the stage in Bannockburn (August 24 - September 2).

Fine Thyme Theatre Company (FTTC) production manager Marion Low said the response has been fantastic and tickets had almost sold out prior to opening night.

The play has a cast of eight - six men and two women; with seven actors are from Central and one from Queenstown. 

Marion said the story is about a bunch of down and out blokes looking to make money, who decide in desperation to put on a strip show. 

FTTC is donating $5 from each ticket sold to Menz Shed Cromwell to support men’s mental health.

“Some men are new to the stage as adults… seeing them grow as performers is great,” Marion said.

The FTTC core members are mostly backstage in this production, and they deliberately chose a more male dominated play this time.

“We’re giving men a platform to discuss things that are important… in the play the characters are getting in touch with their emotions and facing their inner demons.”

Marion said FTTC is very much an “inclusive bunch” and “as soon as theatre bites you’ll want to stay”.

Ladies Night is directed by Queenstown’s Ryan Brennan (previous assistant director of The Big Bang Theory) and choreography is by Central’s Kylie Hodkinson (from TV drama Under the Vines, shot in Central). 

The duo behind the scenes: Kylie Hodkinson and Ryan Brennan. PHOTO: Supplied   

The cast includes former Warriors player Whetu Taewa (Wesley) and experienced actor Paul Tait (Graham). Other men brave to bare are Greg Millane (Norman), Scott Mitchell (Barry), Nathan Lindsay (Gavin), and Danny Dukinfield (Craig). 

Liz Harris is ball-busting bar owner Bernie and Michelle Louise Moynes plays Glenda.

Ladies Night, by Stephen Sinclair and Anthony McCarten is at Coronation Hall, Bannockburn, until September 2. Tickets are $35 each (or get on the waitlist) at FTTC's website.

Parental guidance is strongly recommended as the play is suitable for mature audiences and contains adult themes.