Touring play to seize the day

ROSS Creek and Rokewood will host performances of a contemporary comedy stage play later in the month.

Titled Carpe Diem and starting former Blue Healers lead actor John Wood alongside Downton Abbey’s John Voce, the play takes an up-beat look at the often heavy issues of health and mental wellbeing as well as grief and loss, set against drought and the character’s personal challenges.

The play has been touting nationally since 2015 and is a production Centre Stage Scripts.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby described the opportunity to hold the performances in the Shire as “very exciting.”

“The family-friendly production will resonate with many of our residents in our rural Shire, and tackle the importance of taking care of your mental health in a light-hearted and approachable way, and I hope to see many residents grab a ticket to either of the two performances,” she said.

Tickets for both shows are being sold for a “gold coin” and also include refreshments after the show.

“Council has been able to partner with Hesse Rural Health, Ballarat Community Health, the Rokewood Corindhap Football Netball Club and Ross Creek community to not only bring this fantastic production to our Shire, but also to provide a great community barbecue or supper following each performance for just the price of a gold coin,” Cr Kriby said.

Carpe Diem treads the boards at Rokewood on Friday, 30 April, from 6pm for a 6.30pm start at the Rokewood Memorial Hall, 66 Ferrars Street. Book via 5267 1200 or carpe-diem-rokewood.eventbrite.com.au.

The Ross Creek show goes Saturday, 1 May at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at the Ross Creek School Hall, 651 Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road. Bookings via 5220 7111 or carpe-diem-ross-creek.eventbrite.com.au.