In 2017, Tugun Theatre captivated audiences with a show written by Dave Simpson called "The Naked Truth," a play that followed six women learning to pole dance. This production was a hit and now, in 2023, Tugun Theatre Company is back with another show by the same author called "Girls Night Out," involving male strippers. GCTAI recently caught up with Rianna Hartney - Smith, the director and president of Tugun Theatre, to learn more about the upcoming production.
Here is what she had to say:
"Back in 2017 I was given the opportunity to play my favourite character to date which was the role of Bev in “The Naked Truth” which was about a group of women learning to pole dance. Since then I’ve had the urge to be involved in another similar show. Scrolling through the internet I came across “Girls Night Out” which is written by the same playwright as “The Naked Truth”!
Our assistant director Samantha McClurg, played my best friend Faith in “The Naked Truth”, so who better to help me direct this show!? This show has been a challenge right from the start. Finding four men who can act, dance and are willing to strip was harder than you would think! Luckily, I managed to find the most amazing cast anyone could ask for.
Like with any production we have had our ups and downs, we even had to recast three roles partway through rehearsals! But like always, the show must go on and here we are with an incredible production. I couldn’t have asked for a better team, the cast and crew in this production have been absolutely phenomenal.
The cast consists of Jack Willing, Brock Honnery, Tyler Leskiw, Luke Jones, Emma Andrews, Jay-Louise Clark, Tanya McGill and Mary Nicholas as the main 8 characters. We also have Cassie Baan who is our lively and hilarious MC, as well as Jessica Wilson in the ensemble.
(the men of Girls Night Out)
I think audiences will love this show due to how unique it is. It’s hilarious and heart-warming all at once. Each of the characters goes on a journey and we get to hear and see their heartbreaks and breakthroughs. It’s a little bit raunchy at times (as to be expected when there are strippers involved!) but it’s nothing too full on and I think we’ve kept it quite tasteful.
The show is generally aimed at a female audience however I do believe that men will enjoy the show as well. If anything, it’s going to make for a fun night out. We have a performance on Mother’s Day and there will be a little something extra for all of the mums that night!
I hope everyone enjoys watching this show just as much as I do watching every rehearsal!
Tickets for “Girls Night Out” are now on sale! You can book your tickets via the link below https://events.humanitix.com/tours/girls-night-out
Please note: this show is recommended for mature audiences as it contains course language, sexual references and partial nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.
Season runs from 11th to 26th May on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm, with matinee's on Saturdays 13th and 20th at 2pm.
And if your looking for a Mothers Day present with a difference why not book tickets for Sunday 14th May for the 7pm show.
If you want to find out more about Tugun Theatre Company Inc 2023 season you can click here to visit their website or here to follow them on Facebook
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