Community theatre society, Onstage Wānaka, which produced last year’s musical, Blood Brothers, is preparing to audition locals for its new show, ‘That Bloody Woman’.

The rock-concert style show brings humour and energy to a story many New Zealanders will recognise: Kate Sheppard’s campaign that led New Zealand to become the first country to allow women to vote. 

“We chose That Bloody Woman because it’s high-energy, funny and tells one of the most powerful stories in New Zealand’s history,” Onstage Wānaka president Andrea Beryl said.

It shows the realities women faced in the late 1800s and the journey Kate Sheppard took to get the Electoral Bill passed and change history.

Onstage Wānaka will hold auditions from February 28 to March 1, Andrea said.

“So far we’ve had a great response, but if there are any males out there thinking about it… we’d love to hear from you,” she said. 

The show will tell a familiar story with humour and energy, promises Onstage Wānaka. 

Onstage Wānaka will also host an information evening about the auditions next Thursday (February 19) at the Lake Wānaka Centre for those who want to find out more about the show and what’s involved.

That Bloody Woman was written by Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper, and has been performed across New Zealand since 2015. The production will be directed by Lisa Clough, with Graeme Perkins as musical director. Choreography will be led by Nina Hermanns, with Hannah Gillespie as assistant choreographer.

All information about the auditions can be found on Onstage Wānaka’s website.

The Lake Wānaka Centre curtains will be drawn on That Bloody Woman from July 10-18. 

PHOTOS: Supplied