The stage is set for the Wangaratta Players production of Waiting for God, a comedy by playwright Michael Aitkens, opening at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street this Friday night.

The play explores the challenges of growing old ‘disgracefully’, set within the Bayview Retirement Village, where battle-axe Diana Trent conspires with new resident Tom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance through a hilarious conspiracy, with unexpectedly heart-warming results.

Well-known local actors Rose Sexton and Shane Douthie play Diana and Tom respectively, with Barbara Ryan sitting comfortably in the director's chair.

Barbara said she was delighted to be bringing to life a play which was created from a much-loved BBC television series of the 1990s, which she thought was hilarious.

"It's an absolute cracker," she said.

"Michael Aitkens has taken excerpts from the series and very cleverly formulated a play, with some great writing.

"On the face of it, it is very funny, quick-witted English humour, with some mayhem too which is hysterical, but it also has opportunities to go deep and touch people's hearts, which I really love."

Barbara said the play is about intelligent, strong-willed people who have lived amazing lives and "don't want to go silently into the night" and she is thrilled with her cast's progress.

Rehearsals got off to a flying start and thanks to great rapport among the actors, jokes were flying thick fast both on and off the stage, which is bound to reverberate with the audience.

Barbara said Rose and Shane have paired well in their lead roles, and their chemistry together has only gotten better.

She said Diana Trent is a character who doesn't suffer fools gladly and can say some outrageous things to people, while Tom is fun and loving but also a little mad, and both actors understood them well.

"Rose has an amazing range, and everyone knows the wonderful, comedic actor Shane is, but it is nice to see these glimpses of a much softer, deeper side - as a pair, they are brilliant," Barbara said.

The Wangaratta Players will present the Michael Aitkens production Waiting for God at the Stage Door Studio from November 7 to November 23, with tickets selling fast, available at Trybooking.com.

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What's on in brief

St Bernards Art Show this weekend

The St Bernards 2025 Art and Photography Show will be held at St Bernards Primary School in Williams Road, Wangaratta from Friday, 7 November to Sunday, 9 November.

See artworks in a wide variety of mediums including oil and acrylic, watercolour/gouache, pastel, printmaking, photography and more, with entrants in the running to win a $2000 best in show prize and a $1000 judges choice prize, as well as prizes in their individual categories.

The official opening will be held on Friday, 7 November at 7pm where all prize winners will be announced (tickets available by contacting the school) and the show will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm, with funds raising supporting the school.

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Wangaratta Art Gallery artist talk

Melbourne-based artist Kate V M Sylvester will discuss her practice during an in-conversation event before the opening of her new exhibition, Pleats of Matter, in Gallery 2 of the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Inspired by French philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s idea that matter and time are always shaping each other, Kate V M Sylvester’s work explores how humans and nature are deeply connected.

By slowly taking apart a basic t-shirt and exposing the multitude of layers and fabric that constitute its weave, she encourages us to think about the materials we use and how they reflect our relationship with the world around us.

The artist talk and opening will be held on Thursday, 13 November at 5pm and it is free to attend with bookings appreciated for catering purposes at wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs/.

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Wangaratta Farmers Market on Saturday

Shop for local produce and meet local growers and makers when the Wangaratta Farmers Market is held this Saturday, 8 November from 8am to 12pm in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Docker Street.

There will be a range of stalls to browse featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as baked goods, eggs, meats, cheeses, oil, preserves, wine and much more.

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La Dolce Vita in the King Valley

Feast, dance, taste and immerse yourself in the Italian spirit of the King

Valley, when the region's winemaking families celebrate La Dolce Vita from 14 to 16 November.

The nine participating wineries will be offering a wide variety of interesting food, signature wines and live entertainment throughout the festival weekend, in a family-friendly environment.

Get your tickets now by visiting winesofthekingvalley.com.au, which provides access to all venues.

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CENTRESTAGE with Marina Prior and Michael Cormick

World-class stage stars Marina Prior and Michael Cormick have united for their first full length tour titled CENTRESTAGE, coming the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 15 November at 7.30pm.

Having been friends for decades, first performing together in the production of Cats in 1986, they are now taking their remarkable voices and stage craft on tour around the country, performing a two-hour show accompanied by renowned pianist Andrew Ross.

Hear them perform songs from their hit musicals, gorgeous duets, iconic show tunes plus their own personal and crowd favourites, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

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Johnny and Rebecca at the Da Vinci Social Club

Sing, dance and clap along when Johnny and Rebecca perform at the Da Vinci Social Club on Sunday, 7 December from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

With their well-matched vocals and spontaneous performances, they will keep the crowd entertained as they play everyone's favourite hit songs, with Santa also expected to make an appearance.

Doors will open at 1pm and the cost is members $20, non-members $25, with bookings preferred via phone on 0409 307 606, or email dvsc.wang@gmail.com.