Theatre Whakatāne is gearing up for an exciting performance of the murder-mystery-comedy Ghost Writer this April, written by British playwright David Tristram.

The play, directed by Andrew Watson, promises a blend of humour, suspense, and farcical fun, with two lead characters diving deep into their roles and relishing every moment on stage.

The story centres around Edward Pinfold, a playwright (played by Drew Manning), who is grappling with the loss of his wife, Ruby, in a shocking and mysterious death.

A year after her passing, Edward has lost not only his wife, but also his home and his ability to write.

His world takes a dramatic turn when Ruby’s ghost (played by Jacqui Watson) returns to ask him for one final favour: to write a play that will expose her murderer.

“Ruby has unfinished business and returns to visit her husband as a ghost,” explained Watson.

Before her death, Ruby was a talented actress who thrived in the theatre world, known for her larger-than-life personality and diva-like behaviour.

“Ruby is not just a character but a force of nature,” says Jacqui Watson.

“She’s a tempestuous, larger-than-life actress whose vibrant personality and hedonistic lifestyle dominate the play's narrative even from beyond the grave.

“Her death is the central mystery, and her presence shapes every twist and turn of this funny, haunting, and farcical whodunit.”

Watson has fun with her role as a ghost, explaining that Ruby can be seen only by her husband.

“I love annoying the other cast members, standing in their personal space, blowing in their ear, lifting their hair – just being an absolute nuisance.”

Manning describes his character as “paranoid, totally lacking in self-confidence, and severely depressed” – at least until Ruby appears as a ghost.

He contrasts his role with his previous performance as the pompous General in Blackadder.

“Edward is a Hamlet-like figure, melancholy; horrible things have happened to him, and he makes the worst possible choices as a result and things do not get better ... up until the beginning of the play. Everything changes when Ruby reappears [as a ghost].”

The cast of Ghost Writer also features Simon Mees as Alex, Edward’s supportive friend; Jessica Sneha-Gray as Glenda; Kylie Richardson as Frances, a washed-up actress; and Nathan Minchinton as Hedley, another actor caught up in the theatrical chaos. The ensemble is thoroughly enjoying the rehearsal process, with both lead actors remarking on how much fun the entire team is having.

“It is a great play, funny, a whodunit, engaging, you follow the clues and see if you can figure it out,” said Manning and Watson.

Ghost Writer runs at Gateway Theatre from April 2 to 12, and tickets are available at iTicket.co.nz