Sylvia Barnes plays Pearl, the subservient and loving mother. Sylvia has previously trodden the boards with her current stage husband, and has has enjoyed roles as Gwendolyn Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest and is one of the many actors in WEST with leading role experience, having played Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion.

Scott Koorey is cast as the runt of the gang, Steve. A renowned comic actor and talented musician, Scott's versatility has also shone through with a number of Shakespearean character roles. Scott has also taken on the role of the Hoxton messenger, thereby reducing Berkoff's scripted cast numbers.

Jay Versteeg gives the female perspective in the form of Sylv, Mike's girl, whom everyone wants, but dare not touch. 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 currently studying as a drama teacher.

Mark Wheldon plays Les, Mike's right hand man. Mark has been involved in numerous plays at the Canterbury University, including Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and 3-some. Of WEST, Mark says that "total focus is demanded at all times. It's incredibly bold, the characters are strong and the script has such immense pace and rhythm."

Cast in the exceedingly demanding role of gang leader, not only in terms of lines, but in charactisation and physical stamina required, is Tom Trevella as Mike. Tom has performed many lead roles in productions for the University and Repertory Theatre, as well as appearances in a number of independent movies.

Ralph, who fancies himself to take over from Mike, is played by Chris Domigan. Already an experienced actor, Chris has played a number of leading roles, appearing as The Common Man in A Man for All Seasons and as Benedict in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Chris will be Musical Director for Kirwee Players for the second successive year, this time directing The Wizard of Oz.

Ian Lester plays Sid, the dominant and single-minded father, with cameo roles as the Barman and Joe, the London café owner. A talented brass musician, Ian has also performed with a number of Christchurch companies and is currently finalising plans for his own children's Sunday morning show on Plains FM 96.9.

Ken, who fancies himself with the chicks, is played by Daniel Crossen. Daniel, has performed in Hair, Westside Story and Racing Demon. He was fortunate enough to travel to France as a member of the Pacific Dream cast. Also playing Curly, the notorious Hoxton gang leader, Daniel dons the biggest of the leather jackets.

Cheryl Anglesey has worked back stage with the Repertory Theatre for a few years. Taking on the demanding role of Production for WEST has been a tremendous learning curve. Having worked with many of the actors before, watching them grow into their parts during these rehearsals has been 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 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. Watch this space.

Having recently moved to Christchurch from the UK, Veronica Draper leads a full life. However, Vron is one of those people who is always prepared to take on a new challenge. So when invited to take on the role of Wardrobe Manager, something she has not done before, Vron jumped at the chance. It now needs to be seen whether she"ll do it again!

From earlier days in Southampton, through fond memories with Hawera Repertory in 1988, to co-founding an outdoor theatre company specialising in Shakespeare, Derek Doddington now lives in Christchurch. WEST has been on his agenda for some time, and when he acted with Tom he knew he'd found a Mike. All he then needed was a cast talented enough to perform and do justice to this magnificent piece of drama. Fortunately he found them.