Gnome swings a butcher’s knife
THE gnome’s gone walkabout!
In time for the school holidays, a wayward gnome has made it to Circa Theatre, and is subject to the wishes of children.
Wellington man Pete Doile is playing Norman the Gnome in the children’s production, Gnome on the Roam, and says it’s the mystery behind the tiny figures that intrigues people.
“Scarecrows are for scaring the blackbirds away, and I guess the gnome could be for warding off the sparrows; maybe he whispers to them to stay away from the seeds,” says Doile.
Garden gnomes originate from 19th century Germany, where they became known as Gartenzwerg – literally “garden dwarf”.
As a kid, Doile believed in gnomes, Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny – the whole shebang.
“This is my first time playing a gnome, but I’ve got experience as Santa Claus and Friar Tuck, there is no limit.”
Doile is part of theatre group The Improvisors and works in the New World Butchery on Wakefield Street, where children who have seen his past performances recognise him.
“A couple of kids who went to the show last year saw me at work. It’s really magical to perform something that they remember for so long,” says Doile.
This is his second show just for kids, following on from last school holiday’s successful Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
To get in character, Doile tries to imagine the story behind the gnome’s life.
“Norman the gnome has been in his garden for 10 years, so I think about what his relationships are like with the goldfish, and the frog, and the roses – it’s that environment that gives you the clues.”
In Gnome on the Roam, Doile asks the young audience where they want him to travel to, and then goes on an adventure to get back home.
It’s not scripted, so Norman the Gnome can end up in many exotic places. It allows the kids’ imagination to take part,” Doile says.
He got involved with The Improvisors in 2000, when he and his brother went along to try out theatre sports.
“We haven’t stopped. It’s a great way to break up your week. Nothing is ever the same, and I’m not just standing in a line chopping meat all day long,” he laughs.
Norman the Gnome was so keen to spread the garden word he came up with these reasons he should be on the cover of Capital Times:
• A first for the Cap Times – gnomes everywhere rejoice!
• Very Sexy – in a “bottom of your garden, hobo chic” type way
• School holidays – children everywhere rejoice!
• Who can say no to that little gnome face?
Unfortunately, Capital Times can’t take responsibility for the implications of putting a real-life gnome on the cover.
The Improvisors Present: Gnome on the Roam, Circa Theatre, July 5-17
In time for the school holidays, a wayward gnome has made it to Circa Theatre, and is subject to the wishes of children.
Wellington man Pete Doile is playing Norman the Gnome in the children’s production, Gnome on the Roam, and says it’s the mystery behind the tiny figures that intrigues people.
“Scarecrows are for scaring the blackbirds away, and I guess the gnome could be for warding off the sparrows; maybe he whispers to them to stay away from the seeds,” says Doile.
Garden gnomes originate from 19th century Germany, where they became known as Gartenzwerg – literally “garden dwarf”.
As a kid, Doile believed in gnomes, Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny – the whole shebang.
“This is my first time playing a gnome, but I’ve got experience as Santa Claus and Friar Tuck, there is no limit.”
Doile is part of theatre group The Improvisors and works in the New World Butchery on Wakefield Street, where children who have seen his past performances recognise him.
“A couple of kids who went to the show last year saw me at work. It’s really magical to perform something that they remember for so long,” says Doile.
This is his second show just for kids, following on from last school holiday’s successful Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
To get in character, Doile tries to imagine the story behind the gnome’s life.
“Norman the gnome has been in his garden for 10 years, so I think about what his relationships are like with the goldfish, and the frog, and the roses – it’s that environment that gives you the clues.”
In Gnome on the Roam, Doile asks the young audience where they want him to travel to, and then goes on an adventure to get back home.
It’s not scripted, so Norman the Gnome can end up in many exotic places. It allows the kids’ imagination to take part,” Doile says.
He got involved with The Improvisors in 2000, when he and his brother went along to try out theatre sports.
“We haven’t stopped. It’s a great way to break up your week. Nothing is ever the same, and I’m not just standing in a line chopping meat all day long,” he laughs.
Norman the Gnome was so keen to spread the garden word he came up with these reasons he should be on the cover of Capital Times:
• A first for the Cap Times – gnomes everywhere rejoice!
• Very Sexy – in a “bottom of your garden, hobo chic” type way
• School holidays – children everywhere rejoice!
• Who can say no to that little gnome face?
Unfortunately, Capital Times can’t take responsibility for the implications of putting a real-life gnome on the cover.
The Improvisors Present: Gnome on the Roam, Circa Theatre, July 5-17
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