From the Shadows to the Spotlight: Di Leach’s Triumphant Return to Te Puke Stage
TE PUKE, Bay of Plenty – For many, the bright lights of the stage represent a thrilling escape, a place where stories unfold and dreams come alive. But for Di Leach, a beloved stalwart of the Te Puke Repertory Theatre, returning to that very stage next week at Litt Park is nothing short of a profound victory – the culminating step in a grueling seven-year recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For nearly four decades, Di’s life revolved around the theatre. An accomplished actor and director of plays and pantomimes, a dedicated committee member, and a cherished life member, she also inspired countless young minds through her children’s drama school and holiday programmes. Then, seven years ago, it all came to an abrupt halt.
“When I was really unwell, I couldn’t leave the house, answer the phone, write properly, have visitors… I was a mess – I was the complete opposite to what I was,” Di bravely recounts. The very thought of the theatre, once her sanctuary, now triggered intense anxiety. “I had this, not panic attack, but that feeling in your stomach, that nervous anxiety in your stomach at the thought of going to the theatre.”
The simplest everyday tasks became monumental challenges. It was a bewildering and isolating experience, feeling as though her brain had betrayed her. “It felt like being in a fishbowl here [at home], I had to wear headphones. I wanted to slam windows when traffic went past, it was horrendous. I did know how to connect with the kids and grandchildren – it was tough.”
A Diagnosis and the Long Road Back
After seeking help from various specialists and counsellors, Di received a diagnosis that finally provided some clarity: PTSD. A series of significant life events, including heart surgery and the complex process of building and moving into a new home, were identified as potential triggers. “Once you know what you’ve got, at least there’s a reason for it,” she explains, “but you still don’t really understand it – the brain does what it wants. You don’t know why you’re not like you normally are.”
The path to recovery was long and arduous. Yet, hope began to flicker through the stories of others. Di found immense encouragement in podcasts, hearing about individuals who had overcome similar struggles. “Hearing about other people moving on, and getting better, that helped me,” she shares, her voice filled with a desire to inspire others. “So, I’m more than happy for other people to realise that you can get better.”
The Call of the Stage: A Hilarious Comeback
The turning point arrived when Di heard that Michael Jones would be directing a new play, with Pam Chapman as his assistant. Crucially, the initial reading was held at Jones’ home, not the theatre itself – a small but significant detail that eased her apprehension.
“I went along to the play reading, and it was hilarious. Even just reading it, we were in hysterics,” Di recalls, a wide smile spreading across her face. The familiar joy of collaboration, of laughter with fellow theatre enthusiasts, began to overshadow the lingering anxiety. “I wanted to work with Mike and Pam again and all these thoughts were there, without that anxiety in my stomach.” With the encouraging support of her husband, Bryan, Di auditioned.
Her audition was successful, landing her the role of Angela, one of four colourful residents in a private retirement home. It’s a role she’s embracing fully, carefully managing her return to ensure a sustainable recovery. “It feels so good to be absolutely back at the theatre after several years recovering from PTSD,” she beams. “I’ve made sure I’m not doing anything else apart from this role and I probably won’t go back on the committee. The team is great, and we’ve had some laughs. It’s a good production team and that makes a difference, and the play is funny.”
“Call Girls”: A Comedy with Heart
The play that marks Di’s triumphant return is “Call Girls,” a brilliant and uplifting comedy by New Zealand playwright James Carrick. The story centres on The Beach Haven Rest Home, a small retirement facility facing threats from a developer and burgeoning bureaucracy. Its quick-witted residents must use their cunning and humour to preserve their cherished home. They find themselves pitted against a pompous councillor named Leonard and an incompetent reporter named Jack.
Pam Chapman describes the show as “fast-paced, full of funny one-liners and with a bunch of fascinating characters that the audience will be won over by.” She adds, “Our production includes a great range in ages from three Te Puke high school students up to our 77-year-old director Michael Jones. We take pride in our theatre mantra to involve, educate and entertain our communities in a variety of art forms.”
“Call Girls” opens on July 15 and runs until July 26. Tickets are available from eventspronto.co.nz. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a heartwarming story unfold on stage, celebrating not just a comedic play, but also the remarkable resilience of a local theatre legend.
“Call Girls” – Don’t Miss Out!
Get ready, Te Puke! The hilarious and heartwarming play, “Call Girls,” is opening soon, and you won’t want to miss it! This brilliant, uplifting comedy is all about wit, cunning, and keeping a happy home alive, even when the odds are stacked against you.
“Call Girls” runs from July 15 to July 26.
Tickets are selling fast! Be sure to grab yours today at https://eventspronto.co.nz/ and prepare for an evening of laughter and unforgettable characters right here in Te Puke.
