The finishing touches are being put on Phoenix Theatre’s world premiere of 'Call Girls' as the talented cast and crew bring this world-class script to life. It is set to have PumpHouse Theatre audiences holding their sides with laughter from Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 October.

The playwright James Carrick, a North Shore local who began his theatrical career with Phoenix Theatre over 10 years ago, has won numerous Best Actor in a Leading Role awards and is now proving that his writing is every bit as good as his acting. 'Call Girls' was one of many plays put through Phoenix Theatre’s rigorous selection panel earlier this year, and was unanimously voted as the favourite. His inspiration for this rest-home comedy derives from his experiences working around Auckland's retirement villages, where many residents have their own incredible stories to tell. “People have lived such colourful lives, and they've been only too happy to share their stories with me. I couldn’t resist bringing these characters to life on the pages of a stage play,” says James. "They are all so very funny and entirely relatable!"

While the laughs are plenty, the play’s true strength indeed lies in its relatability. Retirement is often a time when people find themselves in a state of transformation; they leave lives they’ve always known and navigate new living situations that can be unsettling and occasionally lonely. James explains further, “It was really important to create a strong character-driven comedy where people can recognise family members, friends or even themselves, and see them discover their own later-life journeys. Growing older with flair is not for the fainthearted, and that’s what I think people will take away from the play. People will be treated to a top-class, entertaining live theatre experience that has heart.” 

'Call Girls' is the story of four women whose beloved rest home is at risk of being demolished by a large corporation, something they’re not going to take lying down. A talented ensemble cast brings Pauline, Ivy, Angela and Rose’s journey to life as they transition from being rest-home residents to successful chat-line hosts. North Shore audiences will be no strangers to the talents of locals like Kate Birch, Rebecca Wright, Aidan Allen and Alexandra Chrystal, with other equally brilliant cast members travelling from all corners of Auckland to be part of 'Call Girls'. Unusually for a world premiere, the playwright has absolutely no intention of relaxing in the audience during the 'Call Girls' season because his arm has been twisted into playing several comedic cameo roles in the production itself. Director Liz Cannon says, "There was just no one else who could play these roles better! In fact, the entire cast is truly stellar – the audience is in for such a treat!"

At a time when there is a lot of sadness and negativity in the world, 'Call Girls' promises to take audiences away from it all for a few hours. If ticket sales are anything to go by, Aucklanders are more than ready. Phoenix Theatre has been blown away by the interest in the play and credits the support of The Pumphouse Theatre and its reputation for being the flagship for quality theatre on the North Shore. Phoenix Theatre vice president Braydon Priest reports they have been overwhelmed by the community’s interest and goodwill in helping bring the play to life. “There is no shortage of great theatre companies on the Shore and after a hiatus, we’re aware that Phoenix is back to being the new kid on the block. It’s heartening that members of other community groups have warmly welcomed us back by giving their time, whether on stage or off, in addition to assisting with everything from set and props to costumes and sponsorship.” He adds that Phoenix Theatre's mission since rising from the ashes has always been to 'champion the community' in community theatre, while delivering a professional experience for audiences to enjoy. If the last 12 months of Phoenix Theatre’s journey back to the stage are anything to go by, it’s a promise they’re delivering in spades.

The Seemore Tours season of 'Call Girls' runs from Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 October at The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna with tickets starting from just $24 at pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/call-girls