The Extra

Red Door Theatre, 95 Atawhai Drive, Nelson

09/03/2025 - 10/03/2025

Nelson Fringe Festival 2025

Production Details


Written and directed by Juliet Blythe

Earnest Productions


“The Extra” is a short comedy show about eight whacky characters, including an unexpected protagonist, who are trying to put on a high school fair. This results in a variety of mishaps and miscommunications, but is ultimately a quest for love, and a commentary on the impact our actions can have upon others. Written and performed by youth, for youth!

Red Door Theatre, 95 Atawhai Drive, Nelson
Sunday 9th March 2025 4:30pm
Monday 10th March 2025 6:00pm
$14 plus 50c booking fee.
https://nelsonfringe.co.nz/event/the-extra/


Cast:
Emma Brown
Sofia Ching
Caleb Gordon
Chloe Guy
Monique Higgins
Maggie Paterson
Bruno Richards
Lochie Wright

Lighting Technician:
TBC


Youth , Theatre ,


approx. 40 mins

Delightfully blends laughter and thoughtfulness to capture the essence of teen relationships

Review by Melanie Stewart 10th Mar 2025

The Extra is a play written by youth for youth, and it shines in its clever and insightful exploration of teenage dating.

Congratulations to writer and director Juliet Blythe for crafting a performance that captures the complexities of young relationships with both humour and authenticity. The play brings to the forefront the challenges young people face while navigating the dating world, making it both engaging and deeply relatable for its audience.

The young cast bring their characters to life with confidence, showcasing their talents and capturing the nuances of their roles. The show is well-cast, with each performer playing to their strengths and adding to the overall energy of the production.

A particular highlight is the comedic attempt to woo a maiden — complete with sword and shield and accompanied by a rather reluctant dragon. This moment adds both charm and humour to the narrative, drawing plenty of laughter from the audience. Additionally, the use of a split stage during a scene where two lovers seek advice is an excellent choice, effectively illustrating their parallel experiences and adding depth to the storytelling.

The twist at the end is unexpected and cleverly executed, leaving the audience pleasantly surprised. If the production continues to develop, tightening transitions could further enhance the flow of the show. However, overall, The Extra is a delightful performance that captures the essence of young relationships, blending laughter and thoughtfulness into an engaging theatrical experience.

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