Sylvia Barnes plays the very devout mother, Dora, in Equus. Sylvia has previously acted for Top Dog Theatre in 'West' in a role considered one of her favourites. Other favourite roles include Stella in 'Racing Demon' and Mrs Marshall in 'Playhouse Creatures'.

Michael Knowler plays a horseman. Michael is currently a Dancer/performer/teacher for the Latin dance studio Hot Tempo. Michael has also been involved in such shows as 'Fiddler on the Roof' through Showbiz and 'Sleeping Beauty' through Canterbury Children’s Theatre and also 'Starry Nights'

Peter Cameron plays Frank Strang. Peter was born, bred and nourished in Christchurch. As a teenager he joined the Elmwood Players and since then, he has appeared in over 80 productions. Peter spent much of the 1980’s acting professionally in Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland. His favourite roles include; Faust, MacBeth, Lophakin (Cherry Orchard), Mercutio (Romeo & Juliet) and Petrucio (Taming of the Shrew).

Ricki Hudson is in his 2nd year of Theatre and Film studies at the University of Canterbury. Other than playing Perchick in Fiddler on the roof, portraying Alan Strang in Equus is Ricki’s first major role. Ricki says he’s looking forward to performing with a great cast, director and production crew.

Tom Trevella plays the part of Martin Dysart in this, his second outing with Top Dog. Having been impressed with the strength of Peter Shaffer's writing and presented with another chance to work with Derek Doddington, Tom relished the chance of taking on the role of Martin Dysart who, through the course of his rather daunting and complex journey, begins to question everything he believes in.

Elizabeth O'Connor plays the Nurse. She has worked in theatres for many years, directing, writing, performing, administrating, teaching and designing. Elizabeth enjoys helping to start things, like Wild Things Collective, C.A.N., NASDA and Theatre & Dance News. She works as a part-time tutor at the Drama Centre, and as a freelance editor, dramaturg and writer.

Cheryl Anglesey has worked back stage with the Repertory Theatre for a few years. Having taken on the demanding role of Production for WEST, Cheryl says the tremendous learning curve now has light at the end of the tunnel. Having worked with many of the actors before, watching them grow into their parts during these rehearsals is still extremely rewarding.

Craig Blaikie has operated lights and sound for the complete spectrum, from children's productions, Kids Fest, adult drama, to full blown musicals. Craig was in charge for WEST and delights in working with directors, to bring their vision of the play to life. "It's what I enjoy most." Craig also enjoys treading the boards, in front of the lights. Keep watching this space.

Derek Doddington. Although WEST really was just one of those 'things' which Derek had to get out of his system, he and the cast loved it so much that Top Dog Theatre was inevitable. Another Berkoff is on the cards, as is a Shakespeare, and some interesting Japanese one-act plays. But for now, Equus just bowled him over. It's magnificent, it's bold, perhaps even magnificently bold, and it will take your breath away.

Russell Haigh plays the stable-owner, Harry Dalton, in Equus, and is drawn to the play by its complexities and the issues it raises. From Manurewa Theatre, and more recently the Repertory Theatre, Russell has enjoyed playing a variety of characters and roles, from Doolittle in Pygmalion, to Jack in Happy Families.

Erin Hutching plays Jill Mason, who innocently tries to seduce Alan in the final scene. Although it is Alan's failure with her which causes the horrific act of cruelty at the heart of Equus. Erin has attended acting classes at the Drama Centre for five years and is currently completing a BA in English and Theatre at the University of Canterbury. She has appeared in leading roles in many high school, drama centre and Dramasoc productions.

Chris Domingan. Equus is Chris's second show with Top Dog, having played Ralph in WEST. He has performed with The Canterbury International Ballet, ReAct Theatre and Dramasoc. Chris has recently turned his eye to freelance musical direction, having twice directed for the Kirwee Players, and will direct for the North Canterbury Musical Society's upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Jay Versteeg played the female perspective in the form of Sylv, in WEST. She now takes on the role of Marketing Manager for Top Dog Theatre for Equus. Jay has played various lead roles including Abigail in The Crucible and Helena in Mid-Summer Night's Dream. Having travelled New Zealand with The Whakarite Theatre Company, Jay is now a drama teacher.

Jeff Deveaux is currently a student of circus and physical theatre arts, specialising as a catcher for doubles and flying trapeze. He also dabbles in the arts of slack-rope walking, juggling, and basing for partner acrobatics. Playing Nugget is Jeff's first experience of treading the boards.

Marion Beattie has created the Poster for Equus from an original stick figure drawing given to her by Derek. Her many artistic interests include backstage and onstage theatre, Art, music and dance. Marion has completed various courses in life drawing, Art History and Watercolour. She can be contacted through Top Dog Theatre for commissioned work.

Scott Koorey is cast as the Horseman as well as one of the horses. A renowned comic actor and talented musician, Scott has also taken on the role of creating the dramatic on stage sound effects of Equus. Scott is currently a member of Scared Scriptless and can also be seen at the Court Theatre.

Erin Callanan has been involved as a singer and actor in many productions with the Canterbury Opera, Showbiz Christchurch and Repertory. Playing Hester is her first appearance with Top Dog Theatre. Erin says she finds the role stimulating and challenging and regards the play Equus as a wonderful piece of writing. Erin gets married in ' real life' the morning after the final night of production!