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Review of Alexandra Musical Society's 'Nunsense'. By Nicholas Goudie.

I wasn't sure if I would connect to this show. How could I relate to a show about nuns when I have never met one? Would I understand any of the references? Well as it happens, I shouldn't have worried....I guess it helps that these aren't your usual nuns.

The show is loaded with all sorts of gags and pop culture references so you don't need to be a devout catholic to have a laugh. This show is out to play with your preconceptions. Before the show, there was a general feeling that we had come to the wrong venue as hanging above the stage was a giant, illuminated 'Grease' logo and what appeared to be Greased Lightening in centre stage. Go figure.

The quality of the singing and acting is amongst the best I have seen in a local production. I was surprised at points how thick and clear the harmonies were with only 5 people on stage. There's so much energy supplied that you can't help but get carried away and enjoy yourself.

Each actor put in a confident and consistent performance. They each bring a special quality to make them stand out individually. Sally Davies showcased an amazing gospel inspired vocal in the very catchy number, 'Holier than Thou'.

Likewise Jules Molloy, playing the stern but zany Mother Superior, plays her character to the tee and transitions so easily from speech to song.

I can't forget to mention both Hannah Anderson and Morgan Potter who are both in their final year of high school. Both of them did so well in this style of show and looked so relaxed up on stage, each reacting to the moment. Both should be well placed to take the next step at drama school, if they so wish.

Finally Nick Meissel is hilarious as the very 'confused' nun Sister Amnesia. An inspired casting choice, Nick characterises the role so well that sometimes I found myself simply laughing at his wordless reactions. His 'duet' with a puppet was a highlight of the show, extremely difficult to execute, but made to look effortless.

Hilarious, naughty, slap-stick absurd - not what I expected, but I am glad they played with my expectations. The show runs until Friday the 28th of September, so plenty of time to get your ticket. It's a fantastic show so don't feel required to go to just show your support - go to enjoy yourself. 

Winners were announced at the 2018 Blossom Festival Exhibition opening in Alexandra on Wednesday evening. Around 150 works by artists from Central Otago and further afield were entered into the annual exhibition which this year was judged by Henderson House Artist in Residence Gregory O'Brien.

The Premier Prize of $2000 went to Wyn Dryden of Alexandra for her painting 'Spring, Snow and Blossom'. Highly Commended was awarded to Dorothy Piper of Alexandra with her work 'Quail in Oak Leaves'. Highly Commended (2) was awarded to Denis Kent with his oil, 'Back Country Shelter'. Highly Commended (3) went to Pamela Wilson of Arrowtown with 'The Nun of Brow Peak'. The Special Category (Central Otago Heritage) was awarded to Marion Vialade with 'Hayes Engineering, Oturehua' and the Elizabeth Stevens Memorial Prize went to Marg Hamilton of Alexandra.

The exhibition is on show until the 29th of September at the Alexandra Community Hall. 

The Central Otago District Arts Trust, Central Otago Musicians Inclusive Club, Liz Conway Music and Central Sounds have teamed up to bring to Alexandra the first ever Alexandra Buskers Festival to be held in conjunction with the COReap Thyme Festival in October.

From the 31st of October to the 2nd of November, 11-12 and 1-2pm daily, the streets of Alexandra will be brought to life with performances by local musicians. Both young and older have signed up to be a part of the festivities. Organisers have identified a number of good spots along the main streets of Alexandra where musicians will be designated on a roster style basis. Community participation is encouraged and coins (and notes!) will be gratefully accepted by performers on these days.

For further information or if you would like to be a busker please contact Rebekah on 0220170478 or Denis on 0224206696. 

In 2017, a youth art project to beautify public spaces in the Alexandra/ Clyde areas was developed. The project originated through discussions between the Central Otago District Arts Trust Coordinator, Rebekah de Jong and the Central Otago District Councils Property and Facilities Officer. Local artist, Maxine Williams, was employed to facilitate a series of workshops in schools throughout the area, designed to guide a selection of primary aged pupils through the process of creating murals for public decoration. Following the workshops, final mural designs were painted by participating pupils and members of the community at the COReap Thyme Festival 2017. The final creations were then photographed and reproduced onto exterior grade laminate and installed on designated buildings throughout the area.

So successful was this project that further discussions were had between all involved and it was decided that the project be replicated in Cromwell/ Tarras areas. The weekly workshops have now been completed and creative pupils of Cromwell, Tarras and Goldfields Primary have finalised their images. The design ideas explore how participating pupils see their community, people and the environment they live in.

The painting of three mural panels will take place at Bannockburn's 2018 'Across the Bridge' event in September. From the 28th - 30th pupils will paint their designs each morning and every afternoon, (1.30 -3.30pm daily) the general public is invited to come long and help. This will take place at the Bannockburn Community Church, Hall Rd, Bannockburn.