Manawatū Conversations

Mark Kilsby recalls unusual theatre experiences and roles.

He acted in two different plays on the same evening.

He raced between theatres and changed costumes quickly.

One role was a hairy godmother, another a psychiatrist.

A delayed performance nearly disrupted both productions.

He remembers a favourite review that poked fun at him.

At one stage he appeared in six plays in a year.

Theatre demanded rehearsals almost every day of the week.

He found acting a valuable escape from work pressures.

Memorable costumes included playing the clock in Cogsworth.

He believes theatre builds understanding of many lives.

Audience reactions are a vital part of live theatre.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Mark Kilsby has assisted theatre productions at Boys High since 2007.

He helped students with acting and stage performance skills.

He preferred co-directing rather than leading alone.

Junior musical theatre trained younger boys for later productions.

He enjoyed watching boys grow into confident young men.

Theatre helped students build confidence and life skills.

Mark worked for the New Zealand Forest Service.

He later spent most of his career in the public service.

Many restructures changed his working life over the years.

He retired quickly and later wished he had planned more.

Retirement brought acting, theatre and unusual performance roles.

He reflected warmly on theatre, teaching and helping others.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Mark Kilsby Part 4 of 6

Mark Kilsby shared stories from acting and volunteer work.

He took part as a Hobbit at a Wellington film premiere.

A protest stopped his chance to walk the red carpet.

He spent the day waiting in costume with hairy Hobbit feet.

He later worked as an extra in The Hobbit film.

After filming he returned home to find it had been burgled.

Mark acts as pet owners for Massey vet training.

He also helps trainee doctors practise communication skills.

For many years he has volunteered at a primary school.

He supports children aged around nine and ten with reading.

He sees teachers taking on many wider support roles.

Mark finds helping children rewarding and deeply meaningful.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Stuart Birks and Diane McConnell continue their conversation with Mark Kilsby about his long involvement in theatre, from Palmerston North’s Summer Shakespeare productions to stage work, improv, film roles, and photo shoots. Mark reflects on the commitment and craft of performing Shakespeare outdoors, memorable theatre traditions, staying active as an actor, and the value of fitness and improvisation in keeping both body and mind engaged. He also shares stories from screen work in New Zealand productions, working alongside Dame Kate Harcourt, and the unexpected opportunities that have come through acting later in life.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Stuart Birks and Diane McConnell continue their conversation with Mark Kilsby about a life in theatre. Mark reflects on performing in Whanganui’s theatre scene, the emotional demands of roles such as Billy in Gulls, the challenge of keeping going when lines disappear, and the craft of building character through empathy, observation, and life experience. He also shares stories from two decades performing as Manuel in interactive Fawlty Towers-style dinner theatre at Haydn Country Estate, where improvisation, audience reactions, and comic mishaps made every night different.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Stuart speaks with Mark Killsby about his long involvement in local theatre, exploring how early exposure, speech and drama training, and community theatre shaped his passion, along with reflections on acting, performance skills, and the wider personal and social benefits of theatre. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Stuart continues his conversation with Jackie Nutt about her journey from Zimbabwe and South Africa to New Zealand, exploring her work as a lactation consultant and the development of human milk banks, along with insights into breastfeeding practices, cultural differences, and maternal health. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Jackie Nutt on establishing Palmerston North’s human milk bank, sharing her background as a lactation consultant, the challenges of breastfeeding support, and how donor milk helps premature and vulnerable babies while supporting mothers through early feeding difficulties.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Marion Abbas reflects on rural community life in Halcombe during the 1970s–80s, highlighting school involvement, farming culture, local events, and the strong sense of connection that shaped the area. Marion shares memories of community activities, fundraising events, and how rural traditions have evolved over time.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Stuart continues his conversation with Marion Evers and Jane Bolton to discuss Marion’s involvement with the Experiment in International Living. Marion reflects on her experiences hosting international students and families, describing the cultural exchange, daily life, and mutual learning that came from welcoming visitors from countries such as Japan, the United States, and Europe. The conversation highlights differences in culture, communication, and lifestyle, and explores how these exchanges shaped understanding and appreciation on both sides.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air