John brings job's drama to the stage | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

He doesn't have much acting experience and he might have to lose his moustache - but Katikati's new Barry is not fazed about his big silent role in the Katikati Theatre Group's first production next month.

Athenree resident John Ormsby, a civil engineer by day, will play the main character in the new group's first show A Life in the Day of Barry.

"I had no ambitions about being Barry, I was given bits to read [at auditions] and this is the way the candle has fallen," John said.

Acting is new to him "but I think there's a bit of drama in civil engineering".

"My wife Althea and I felt it was something we'd like to get into and I've done public speaking in my local church."

John and Althea, who also landed a part, have enjoyed theatre at Waihi Drama Society and now look forward to their first production in Katikati.

"I guess one fortunate thing is that being Barry you don't have to act that much, you just have to sit down and listen," said John.

Asked if he minded losing his moustache for the show, John replied, "it'll grow back again".

With Barry being a quiet character, director Julie Thomas said she was looking for someone that physically fitted the bill and could remain very still.

"There had to be a sense of mystery about him and he also had to be a good Kiwi bloke," she said.

The five one-hour performances will take place during Art Spark, Katikati Open-Air Art's two-week festival in early October.