THE four leading ladies in a comedy production at the Bishops Court retirement complex in Wellington had a combined age of more than 330 years – but very little acting experience.

That did not stop Sylvia Phillips, Kitty Mardon, Marion O’Rorke and Judie Jones bravely stepping up to fill the main roles in Room for Improvement.

The production, staged twice at the complex in North Street, was scripted and directed by fellow resident and former full-time writer Mike Neal.

The show centred around not growing old gracefully, a famous mystery benefactor and an embarrassing mix-up between film star George Clooney and soccer player Wayne Rooney, which leads to all sorts of mayhem.

Mike said: “I will admit I had one or

two reservations given the age of the ‘actresses’ but once rehearsals were under way and their sheer enthusiasm and commitment came to the fore I realised that

this was going to be a successful and fun project.

“The performances could not have gone better and I am very proud of my ladies. Given their combined ages they surely warrant inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records and we have already received requests to perform the show in other locations. Role on the UK tour!

“The trouble is that all four have now become Divas and are demanding individual dressing rooms and their own costume designer!”