There’s a real treasure on at the Clyde Memorial hall – a play about four women and a bloke, whose developing characters are both hilarious and heart-warming.

The Pink Hammer is quintessential Kiwi comedy:  quirky, funny, with four strong female roles, and one bloke.

A comedy with pathos, The Pink Hammer resoundingly hits the mark, bringing flawed, yet very real characters together for the mutual benefit of all – themselves, each other, and us.

The inaugural ‘Pink Hammer’ workshop is a complete disaster. Four women turn up, looking forward to learning carpentry skills from a pioneering, female furniture maker. Instead, they find Woody, an out-of-work, disgruntled builder who is less than impressed to have four ‘sheilas’ getting amongst his claw hammers. 

The Pink Hammer is a funny, charming look at the transformative power of friendship, modern feminism, and takes a deeper look at the judgements we make about other people.

The Clyde Theatre Group has done a great job with their interpretation of Michele Amas’ play.

Audience member Vicki McLean said the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, right from the moment she walked in. 

“Then, when it all started, it was fun.

“There were four different characters who met at Maggie’s workshop, and each one came with a different story.

“There were lots of laughs, lots of tears, funny moments, deep moments, and some kind of ‘eek!’ moments.”

There were also a lot of themes explored, including sexuality, gender inequity, racism, in a way that was all about being able to speak freely and being who you are.

“It was about not conforming, or creating yourself just because society said you should be a certain way, whether it’s as a wife, a mother, a professional, whether it’s a job.

“It was about hey, we’re all human, we’ve all been through some stuff, we’ve all got a story to share.

“We all need help, and we all need a sense of belonging.”

As for the highlights, Vicki said for her, it was a special moment during one of the scenes.

“There was a beautiful moment when Siobhan (played by Jackie Smith) sang a lullaby, and it was just so beautiful, you could’ve heard a pin drop.”

Like all good plays, there is an unexpected twist at the end. No spoilers though - you will just have to go and experience it for yourself. 

It’s well worth going, but you’ll have to be quick – the play is currently showing and ends on Saturday 20th March. For details click here.

Image Mary Hinsen