Tickets for the Wangaratta Players production of the hilarious comedy Waiting for God, being performed at the Stage Door Studio in November are on sale now, and they are selling fast.

This week's cast spotlight is on the "children" of the play's two main characters, Diana and Tom.

Mel Taylor-Ryan and Liam Keane were cast as Sarah Chase and Geoffrey Ballad respectively, and they have given us an insight into their lives, both during the rehearsals and before they were cast.

Mel Taylor-Ryan, a passionate actress, has been performing for most of her life, feeling happiest when she is on stage.

Since 2010, she has been an avid member of Wangaratta Players, performing in more shows than you can count on one hand.

Even before joining Wang Players, Mel remembered watching their shows as a teenager.

Once she had set off to university, Mel kept up her repertoire with determination, performing in many shows, such as Annie and H.M.S. Pinafore - and that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, Mel lives and works in Wangaratta as an early childhood music specialist, helping children to understand the fundamentals of music.

With her two grown-up children now out of home, Mel lives with her “third child” Barkley the dog.

Having taken a break from theatre for health reasons, Mel is now back in the swing of it with Wangaratta Players.

“I was shocked but delighted to be given the role of Sarah - especially with the depth of talent in the cast,” Mel said.

“The role of Sarah is quite different to anything I’ve done before and I’m enjoying exploring another side to my acting.”

Mel couldn’t say enough good things about the cast and crew of this devilishly grand play.

“I’m so happy that I didn’t let my nerves stop me from auditioning,” Mel said.

“I am loving working with such a great and talented cast and crew.”

The start of 2025 brought a new actor to join Wangaratta Players.

Geoffrey Ballard in Waiting for God is Liam Keane’s third role for Wangaratta Players, the first two being Sherlock Holmes in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, and Ken in Rumours.

Liam has lived in Wangaratta with his parents almost his entire life, acting in nearly every Galen Catholic College production during his time there, before heading to university in Melbourne.

“I had heard of the Wangaratta Players in the past, but I didn’t join because I wasn’t sure if acting was what I wanted to do," Liam said.

"Studying film and television at university made me realise how much I missed being on the stage."

Liam joined Wangaratta Players after coming back to town and auditioning for Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

“I thought, why not just go for it this time?” he said.

“Worst case scenario I don’t get it, but at least I can say I tried.

“My favourite part about being in this production is the on-stage chemistry all the actors have with each other."

What Liam says rings true - the cast of Waiting for God appearing to work as one unit when on stage - bouncing off each other and only occasionally dropping character, generally from an outburst of laughter.

The stage chemistry between Liam and his stage father, Shane Douthie – who plays Tom Ballard – is wonderful.

“I was excited about being cast, but also anxious about having to portray this comedic yet pitiful man,” Liam said.

Wangaratta Players will present Michael Aitkens play Waiting for God at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street, Wangaratta from Friday, 7 November to Sunday, 23 November, with tickets available at trybooking.com/DDWJE.