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stuff.co.nz
14 June 2006
New role for Oliver Driver
by Helen Laurent
Actor, director, presenter and head of Auckland Theatre Company - Oliver Driver has done it all, and his latest project is one of his most ambitious.
The Oratia resident is bringing Roger Hall's classic 1970s play, Glide Time, to life again for its 30th anniversary production.
Glide Time is a satirical comedy about a group of workers in a New Zealand public service department.
It features some of the country's best known actors like Theresa Healey, Simon Prast, Greg Johnson, Craig Parker and Tim Balme.
"Good writing is what makes something a classic, and Glide Time is an example of great writing," Oliver says.
"It predates shows like The Office by decades, and still resonates as much today as it did then."
Oliver's own acting background helps him as a director.
"I know how hard acting is - and it is incredibly hard especially in the theatre where you are pushed a lot.
"The best compliment for me is if people see the play and talk about the acting or the lighting and don't even mention the directing."
Oliver's CV includes a stint on Shortland Street and The Strip, as well as roles in films like Topless Women Talk About Their Lives, Snakeskin, and Toy Love.
He's spent the past two years presenting the television arts show Front Seat.
The former Ponsonby resident made a lifestyle change last December when he bought a house in Oratia.
"I am very proud to be in west Auckland, it's a true community out there, that's what I love about it," he says. | | |