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Kevin Kwong

Hong Kong Players

McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre

July 3-7, 7.45pm

Written by Australian playwright Elizabeth Coleman, Secret Bridesmaids' Business is a comedy that poses a Scruples-like question: would you tell your best friend on the eve of her wedding day that her husband-to-be  may have had an affair?

Having seen the play in Sydney with its original cast,  and been tickled by the funny,  heartwarming tone of the work, Lucas Cox decided to stage it with the Hong Kong Players. Petra Fairweather  (left, with Jo Leong)  takes the lead role as the bride. The fact that the play  has a  predominantly female cast - five women and one man - was another incentive. 'Anyone working in community theatre in Hong Kong will tell you it's easier to find women to audition than men,' he says.

Although a comedy, there is a serious side to Coleman's play as it questions whether the big day should become more important than the new life ahead. For Fairweather, what appeals to her about this show is the universality of its themes.

'I was attracted to the play  partly because it's Australian, but also because  it's a touching portrayal of universal issues  in relationships - trust, honesty, friendship, love. It's both funny and tragic,' she says.

The actress says the production is not simply a 'chick flick on stage', but one that explores the topic of infidelity from all points of view. 'I think both men and women will identify with the content, and the play depicts the emotional peaks and troughs that come with such matters.'

Cox agrees.  'Guys will appreciate the chance to listen to what women really say about them to their friends. We also need some guys in the audience so that our one male actor has some sympathetic ears when he is trying to explain his position,' he says.

2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, HK$180-HK$220. Inquiries:  2734 9009



Secret Bridesmaids' Business