A flourish of “inspired lunacy” is one summation of Helen Moulder’s latest show – a description that she leans into with delight.
The Brightwater-born actor is bringing her one-woman show, Waiting for Gertie, to the Top of the South, finishing off a two-month tour which has seen her travel to the far reaches of the North Island.
Helen plays Cynthia Fortitude, a character who has appeared in several previous productions alongside her accompanist and long-suffering sidekick Gertrude Rallentando – played by Helen’s dear friend Rose Beauchamp. Rose, a fellow Hens’ Teeth comedic troupe member, passed away three years ago, and this latest production is something of a tribute, Helen explains.
The show is for “everyone who loves opera, or hates opera; who loves music, comedy, silliness – all those things”.
The “inspired lunacy” descriptor comes courtesy of its director, Jeff Kingsford-Brown.
Since its first run in the Nelson Fringe Festival in 2023, under the title Cynthia and Gertie Ride Again, Helen has performed the show nearly 50 times, constantly refining and improving it.
Her passion for theatre means she never tires of walking the boards or uttering the same lines.
“I just love it so much – I really look forward to it,” she enthuses.
Nelson has been her home for more than a decade, and although the arts scene here is smaller than in some places she has lived, it remains vibrant and full of life.
Now 78, Helen has been performing for 50 years – first overseas and then, with the growth of radio dramas, television and professional theatre companies – back in New Zealand.
“I just slotted in and started working,” she says, adding that she has no inclination to stop any time soon.
She says that, like most actors, live theatre is her favourite medium.
“There’s just something really special about being with a live audience.”
Helen’s next project is a collaboration with a Japanese puppeteer, set to run in next year’s Nelson Fringe Festival.
Waiting for Gertie is coming to Motueka’s Chanel Arts Centre on Sunday, 2 November at 4pm. Helen will also perform at The Mussel Inn in Golden Bay on Wednesday, 5 November at 8pm. Bookings are via www.trybooking.com/nz/YOR, or on the door if available.
