Review: PACK OF GIRLS BY PORIRUA LITTLE THEATRE at Niblick Hall

A Scrum of Laughter and Heart – Pack of Girls Scores Big at PLT

Pack of Girls, written by acclaimed New Zealand playwright David Geary, first took to the stage at Downstage Theatre in Wellington on October 4, 1991. Since then, it has become a beloved staple in Kiwi theatre, especially among community and amateur groups. Now, as part of Porirua Little Theatre’s 75th anniversary celebrations, the play returns to the stage under the deft direction of Felicity Cozens—and what a wonderful kickoff it is.

The story follows Pam, a woman disillusioned with her domestic life and her rugby-obsessed husband, Tom. Tired of being a “rugby widow,” Pam takes a bold step: she forms a women’s rugby team—the Hurridames—and sets out to challenge the male-dominated world of the sport. What unfolds is a heartwarming, hilarious, and empowering tale of friendship, resilience, and finding your voice.

Driving to the theatre, I couldn’t help but notice the rugby posts dotting the landscape—a fitting reminder of how deeply the game is woven into the fabric of Kiwi identity. Pack of Girls isn’t the first play to tackle our national obsession, and it certainly won’t be the last. But what sets it apart is its sharp writing, rich humour, and genuine heart.

Porirua Little Theatre holds a special place in my heart, having been the company I performed with most often. Despite the challenges they’ve faced—most notably the loss of their home theatre and the ongoing search for a permanent venue—they can still deliver quality productions. Performing in a modest hall, they’ve once again proven that it’s not the space but the spirit that makes theatre come alive.

The set was simple yet cleverly designed, with versatile pieces that transitioned between domestic scenes and on-field action. Felicity Cozens’ direction brought energy and authenticity to the production, especially in the rugby sequences. At one point, I genuinely felt like I was on the sidelines of a local match, cheering on the Hurridames.

The cast delivered strong performances across the board. While a few opening night jitters led to some mixed-up lines, they were minor and did nothing to detract from the overall enjoyment. Jess Brownell shone as Pam, bringing warmth and determination to the role. Sarah Holswich was a standout as Hazel, while Martin Tidy gave a grounded performance as Tom. It was also a delight to see Gary Hollier return to the stage as Harry and the Commentator—his comedic timing was impeccable.

Two moments particularly stood out: Gary’s hilarious turn as a linesman, and Annie Lowe’s  physical comedy as Basil in the post-match bar scene. 

Technical elements were handled well. Em Maguire’s lighting was subtle and effective, while Chris Leadbeater’s costumes were thoughtfully chosen and added authenticity to each character.