Paekakariki Scouts are pleased to present in two parts a playreading with dodgy sound effects of Wheeler’s Luck, a great New Zealand play written by Toby Leach, Damon Andrews and Nigel Collins, which first premiered at Wellington’s BATS Theatre. Written for two actors (!) it proves brilliant for expanding to 25.

Read with the permission of Playmarket with apologies to the authors for any liberties taken. Cast and plot below.

The plot:

“Local landowner Nora Cox dies, leaving her prime coastal property to the people of the small coastal town of Bell End. Mayor Duncan attempts to keep the details of the town’s acquisition secret, inviting Auckland developer Richard Lush to help him transform the asset into a cash cow for the impoverished council. However, Nora’s land holds historical and cultural significance to the town as it was the site of a daring rescue following a shipwreck over 100 years ago…. When rural postie Murray learns what is afoot, he sets out to scupper the mayor’s plans. Murray’s interference leads to a town vote on the future of the land. It’s an emotional issue for the townsfolk, who commemorate the shipwreck and rescue with an annual bareback horse race across Nora’s land – an event which will be thrown into jeopardy should the development be given the green light. The vote results in a stalemate and Richard’s plans are stalled – until he places a wager on the upcoming race. He will ride against Murray. If Murray wins, Richard will leave town. If Richard wins, Murray will change his vote and the development will proceed. However, Richard has fallen for the local beauty – Murray’s step daughter, Trish. Will love conquer greed? And what will be become of Alan the crazed chicken farmer with a dangerous obsession with explosives?

Cast list: