The 57-year-old Aucklander is one of the country's most experienced actors, with a long film and stage credit list.
One of his best-known roles is the priest in Peter Jackson's Bad Taste, who utters the immortal line: "I kick ass for the Lord!" Hatch, Or The Plight of the Penguins is on at the Pioneer Womens Hall at 8pm tonight and tomorrow.
While you have appeared in many films, you seem to have a soft spot for live theatre.
I have certainly performed far more extensively on stage than on screen. While enjoying the screen process, for me live theatre allows the time to develop and explore the material in much greater depth as the process evolves over a season.
What do you rate as one of the high points of your career?
Performing Hatch in Riverton last year is certainly a recent highlight. The combination of the character, the venue and a wonderful audience was a magic night.
The Otago Festival of the Arts features five New Zealand plays. Is home-grown drama alive and well in New Zealand?
In terms of new New Zealand theatre writing, the last six years or so have been the most exciting for me in 37 years. Some world-class material is being produced by our writers. Confident, innovative and eclectic.
How rewarding is it to work with new material like Hatch?
My favourite projects are always working with the playwright on new scripts as either actor or director. It is hard work but of the most rewarding kind. Hatch has been a standout in this respect.
Have you had a range of audience responses towards the character?
Each performance produces new insights because of the audiences. After over 80 performances, I still approach Hatch with anticipation and delight for that reason.
Would Joseph Hatch have been a friend of yours?
I think Mr Hatch would have been a little serious for me, and I too frivolous for him, for us to have been great mates. Perhaps respectful acquaintances."
What is the next production you'll be involved in?
I am staying in Dunedin after Hatch to direct Jack and the Beanstalk for the Fortune Theatre. An old mate, David MacPhail, is to play the Dame, so we expect a lot of frivolity.
Does Dunedin hold any special memories or personal significance for you?
I've worked in Dunedin several times over the years for The Fortune, the Globe and the Natural History Unit. I love the city, the community, and leap at any opportunity to come back. So I will have a six-week theatre festival. Lucky, eh?
