Characters & CAST
Peter – the Vicar
Peter, British born, is intelligent, fit, and good looking. He is kept busy with the usual church duties – christenings, weddings and services but also works in the community which he sees as his Christian duty. This includes looking after a church youth centre and prison work.
He was happily married and has a daughter who is now 21. Tragically, Peter’s wife died some years back. He had never thought of himself as gay or even ‘experimented’ before the death of his wife. Then while working in the prison he met and fell in love with Jason who has been his partner for 8 years.
British actor Richard Short plays Peter.
Richard recently wrapped up production on Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth as well as Jack Ryan: Season 3 for Amazon. He has starred in the very successful Canadian TV series Mary Kills People.
Richard has been intimately involved in the production of this movie and is also an executive producer.
Jason – Peter’s Partner
Jason is a 2nd generation Samoan who grew up in South Auckland. He was brought up by an aunt, who he still adores. As a teen, he got into trouble.
Jason had a problem – tough guys weren’t supposed to be gay. So, he overcompensated becoming ever more violent. He became involved with gangs, crime and ended up in jail which is where he met Peter. Meeting the part-time prison chaplain turned Jason’s life around. Now, he runs the church youth centre where he also coaches rugby and lives with Peter at the vicarage.
Nick Afoa plays Jason.
Nick is an exciting discovery. He’s a former rugby player with an Anglican Minister Dad. He has just finished 5 years as Simba in the London Westend production of The Lion King.
Billy – Jason’s Nephew
Billy is Jason’s nephew though he hasn’t seen him for years. Billy is larger than life. He says he is ‘gender fluid’ – but doesn’t want to be labelled.
He has a filthy mouth and loves to shock – although this is in part, a defence mechanism.
He is also a bit of a fantasist constantly designing costumes, dreaming up acts and telling everyone he is an Angel. Billy wants to be a star and has done some amateur drag in Australia. He has a show- stopping number at the end of the film.
Joe Folau plays Billy.
Joe is another exciting new talent. He’s a graduate of Toi Whakaari, the acting school in Wellington.
Joe has starred in numerous theatre productions, including lead roles in Clean up on Aisle Three, Romeo & Juliet, and Angels and America.
He has starred in the short films Flat Out, and Best in Show.
Kate – Peter’s Daughter
Kate is supportive of her dad and his relationship with Jason.
Both her and Peter are bereaved by the loss of her mother (Peter’s late wife).
Becky McEwan plays Kate.
Upon her graduation from South Seas, Becky landed a core cast role on New Zealand’s beloved soap, Shortland Street where she plays the role of Tess Hutchinson acting alongside her real-life husband, Jay Kiriona (Prince). Becky’s other screen credits include Filthy Rich as Grace, Murder Is Forever as Brianna, and Jess on season 24 of Power Rangers. She also played grief-stricken Widow in Ainsley Gardiner’s much acclaimed feature film Waru.
Aunt Nola – Jason’s Aunt
Aunt Nola is protective of her nephew (she brought him up) and has gone through a process to support his new relationship.
Maureen Fepuleai plays Aunt Nola.
The Bishop
Some of the church hierarchy is intractable. This church leader is an example.
Michael Hurst plays The Bishop.
Michael Hurst is recognised as one of New Zealand’s best actors. With a career that spans over 40 years, Michael has worked on all sorts of projects, from starring in heroic-fantasy series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys to helping direct comedy-horror Ash vs Evil Dead. An award-winner many times over, Michael is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his services to film and television, as well as winner of an Arts Laureate.
Mike – Radio Talkshow Host
Peter goes on a weekly talk-show where he discusses matters of God and the church.
Te Radar plays Mike.
Te Radar — also known as Andrew Lumsden — is a writer and presenter, who brings a comic touch to documentaries and reality shows. Since starting as a stand-up comedian, his work has spanned everything from travel to Kiwi history. His sustainable living hits Radar’s Patch and Global Radar have both won local awards for Best Information Series.
Rai – Rugby Player
Vincent Andrew-Scammell plays Rai.
Jimmy – Rugby Player
Zac O’Meagher plays Jimmy.
Kyle – Rugby Player
Logan Cole plays Kyle.
Annie
Elizabeth Easther plays Annie.
Alicia
Reina Va’ai plays Alicia.
Flower Arranger
Robin Sim plays the Flower Arranger.
Reverend Booth
Stephen Stehlin plays Reverend Booth.
The Cardinal
Paul Oremland plays The Cardinal.
Reporter 1
Hannah Martin plays Reporter 1.
Reporter 1
Hannah Martin plays Reporter 1.
Bearish Guy
Paul Herd aka Papa Bear plays Bearish Guy.
Prison Guard
Kerry Price plays the Guard.
Young Mourner
Joshua Tan plays the mourner.
Church Supporter
Lance Loughlin plays the supporter.