SOMETIMES it can take a bold step into the unknown to mark off an item on your bucket list.

Whether it's running a marathon, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or taking up pottery classes, most of us have lifelong dreams we are yet to fulfill.

For Tristan Wilson, auditioning for a role in a theatre production was next on the list and before he knew it he was cast as Len in Wangaratta Players production of "Rumours", the fast-paced comedy by legendary American playwright Neil Simon.

This production of "Rumours" is set in Melbourne in the 1980s, where a dinner party in a well-to-do household begins with two major problems: the hostess is missing, and the host is upstairs - bloodied, delirious, and not saying much.

What follows is a hysterical spiral of miscommunication, cover-ups, wild theories - and a whole lot of rumours.

"I saw an advert for the audition in an awesome newspaper called The Chronicle (product placement — can I get a free subscription?)," Tristan said.

"It was something I’d always wanted to try my hand at and I’m pretty sure it’s linked to a mid-life crisis.

"My only previous experience was in a musical back in year 12 — which was when Video Ezy was still going strong. Remember five weeklies for five dollars?

"What a world we lived in.

"So, this is my first involvement with the Wangaratta Players."

It may have been a steep learning curve but Tristan has enjoyed the process of developing his acting skills under directors Steve Thornycroft and Leanne Kelly.

He is also blessed to play opposite the experienced Jess Grant as husband and wife couple Len and Claire.

"I really enjoy getting the chance to yell at strangers (it’s in the script — I’m not going rogue)," he said.

"Unfortunately, I’m now getting to know the cast, and they’re a great bunch of talented people… so now I just feel rude."

Jess is very familiar to North East audiences after playing diverse roles with Wangaratta Players, Benalla Theatre Company and Allegro Theatre Company and just finished portraying Miss Scarlett in Beechworth Theatre Company's "Clue".

"I had recently done Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park with Wang Players and couldn't pass up the opportunity to try out for another of his plays," Jess said

"I also love being on stage.

"I've gotten to work with 90 per cent of new faces and actors I've never worked with before.

"It's been such a fun enjoyable experience with everybody bringing their own talents to the magic.

"I also love the 'note' process from the directors as well as having freedom to bring our own ideas to our characters."

She described her character as "funny yet ditzy" type who has some great one-liners or moments of complete stupidity.

"I love that her relationship seems forced in the beginning and it slowly re-blossoms through the actions of herself and her husband," Jess said.

"It's easy to become complacent in a relationship and this play allows us to see that it can be reversed."

She was also full of praise for her on stage husband.

"Tristan is hilarious and brings the right balance to his character to offset my character perfectly," Jess said.

"This play has so much for the audience - The humour, the stupidity, the drama, the suspense, the gossip and, of course, the brilliant acting that brings the characters to life."

Rumours will be performed at The Stage Door Studio, Evans Street Wangaratta on Friday, 27 June 7:30pm, Saturday, 28 June 7:30pm, Sunday, 29 June 2pm, Friday, 4 July 7:30pm, Saturday, 5 July 7:30pm, and Sunday, 6 July 2pm.

Book tickets online at www.trybooking.com/CZDWH.