Playing women’s rights activist Kate Sheppard in That Bloody Woman is a “dream role”, lead actor Krissy McGeown says.

“The music is so varied . . . it’s a little bit country, a little bit rock, a little bit gospel. It's just awesome . . . but even the emotional journey that Kate goes on, there's real highs and there's real lows, and everything in between.”

This is Krissy’s seventh show with Musical Theatre Ōamaru (MTO), and her second major role this year - having already played Patty in School of Rock.

She was also Donna in MTO’s 2018 production of Mamma Mia! but this is the biggest role she’s had, and she barely leaves the stage throughout.

“The role itself, I mean, obviously, you know, it’s any actor's dream to play a woman like this. She's pretty, pretty awesome, for lack of a better word.”

Krissy also enjoys being able to work opposite Waimate veterinarian Ryan Luckman who plays Kate’s nemesis, and former New Zealand Prime Minister, Richard Seddon. 

“We have pretty good rapport with each other. We do method act a little bit, like we give each other shit off-stage as well,” she said.

For those who are not familiar with previous MTO shows, Krissy may be more recognisable as the lead singer in local covers band The Heavy Feathers, or as manager at Ōamaru Kiwibank.

She is also a mother of three - a 16-year-old who still lives at home, an 18-year-old and a 22-year-old. 

She admits taking on two major roles in a year has taken its toll, and if it had been any other shows, she might not have done it.

“I love School of Rock, and I love That Bloody Woman . . . just the fact that it's two very, very cool shows in one year. I couldn't not do it.” 

That Bloody Woman 'makes history fun'

The number of lines the actor has had to learn is the most challenging part of the role, she said, but as she gets more familiar with the story, it becomes easier.

The biggest highlight of being part of this production has been the people.

“It's a really cool cast, and just, this is really, really cliched, but you do become a family when you spend so much time together . . . We just love each other.

“I mean, like any show, I'd always tell you the highlight is just the meeting new people.

“The lowlight's always the last night and then life returns to normal and you're just like, 'oh my God, what do I do with this time?'.”

Over the past few months, Krissy has been grateful to her band for “putting up” with her, and her husband for keeping things under control at home.

“Thank you to my husband for putting the chicken nuggets in the oven, and kids, I promise you'll get some veggies soon.”

That Bloody Woman is on at the Ōamaru Opera House, November 15-18, and tickets are available now.

NB: Krissy plays Kate Sheppard in all evening performances. Jenna Madden will play Kate in the Saturday matinee performance.

Kate Sheppard (Krissy McGeown) and Richard Seddon (Ryan Luckman). PHOTO: Supplied/Rebecca Ryan