Port Hunter Toastmasters had the pleasure of hosting the very unconventional, but oddly familiar, wedding of Hardly Taskmaster (Rich Henwood) and Belle Bashing (Sonya Dearing). The evening was a riotous occasion, featuring a colourful cast of characters and moments of roaring laughter!
Leading the formalities, Shelly the Celebrant (Yve Lavine) was literally left stranded at the alter with a lonely Groom. As a newly minted celebrant with questionable certifications, Yve introduced an infectious and hilarious energy to the proceedings.
Groom Hardly (Rich Henwood) could hardly contain his excitement on the news that his bride left him at the altar, leaving him to settle for wedding planner and secret mistress Belle (Sonya Deering). Beaming from ear to ear, and never missing a beat, you’d have thought he’d just won the Trifecta at Broadmeadow! Just don’t mention his gambling to the in-laws! From start to finish, Rich had the room in stitches throughout the evening.
Put on the spot and with 2-way radio firmly in hand, new bride Belle seamlessly transitioned from wedding planner to bride, while still ensuring the Hors d’oeuvres arrived on time! Between barking orders to the kitchen staff, Sonya managed to say “I do” to her new adulterating and gambling addicted husband.
Groom’s brother Terry (Dominic Rankin) tried exceedingly hard, but even his perfect staunch irreverent attitude couldn’t dampen the festivities. With a deadpan ‘congratulations’ and ‘welcome to the family speech’, Dominic made clear his disapproval of his brother’s choices in life and love!
The Groom’s father Teddy (Vince Reedy) managed to maintain his composure as the Christian patriarch of the family. With a stiff upper lip, he was able to express his disapproval elegantly and politely of the whole affair – especially with the late wife substitution! He’d have much rather the Groom had of stayed married to the sweet Christian childhood sweetheart… who was strangely invited to the wedding.
Joyfully weeping for a love lost, the very agreeable, Sally Sweetness (Elaine Cornford) was at times not lost for words with many well-timed heckles. One could say there may have been a glint of glee in her eye as the intended bride skipped out of town, and as the Groom’s adulterous affair was being aired!
Disgusted to even be in the same room as such riff-raff, rich aunt Penelope (Diane Moi), splendidly reminded the guests that she absolutely did not belong amongst such ruffians! Though one of those louts kept swearing black and blue he recognised aunt Penelope from a late night, dark, dingy, dingy disco in Kings Cross.
Pouring drinks (mainly for himself) was the well lubricated Uncle Tommy (Ryan Shelley). He struggled through the evening knowing that he knew rich aunty Penelope from somewhere, though she’d never admit it! Then, through a cloudy haze of beer, bourbon and rum, he pieced together that his ex-wife (wedding planner Belle), who was now marrying his Nephew, was about to become his Niece by marriage!
Maid of Honour, Wendy (Christa Savery), was disgusted enough about being forced to pay her way to this destination wedding and at having to buy her own dress! Then, without so much as a message, her best friend and bride did the runner, leaving her to clean up the resulting mess! It’s a good thing she left the tags on her designer Kmart frock!
Few would give up a Taylor Swift concert ticket to attend this ramble or a reception – but that’s what cousin Stella (Ella Henzlik) was forced to do! Even with her cousin the bride gone, she was stuck with posh and proper Aunt Penelope on one side – and drunk Uncle Tommy leering from across the room! Despite her DM’s, Snaps and even Tweet’s for help – she was stuck!
There to help, the very covert Constable (Meg Thomas) seemed to choose to blend in with the blabbering party, rather than try to keep the peace. She did so well at blending in, some didn’t even know the police had been called!
Capturing frivolity, bride swapping and other despicable behaviour, was photographer extraordinaire Pixie Pete (Matt Okane). Straight from Santa’s photo workshop at the local shopping centre, some guests swore they saw him taking photos with the lens cap still on!
Together, this colourful cast of Toastmasters enthusiastically brought to life a wedding to remember! With humour, improvisation and a lot of quick wit, the event was a fantastic demonstration of the group’s prepared and impromptu public speaking skills.
A very special mention to the energy and expertise of MC, Damien Challen, who seamlessly planned, re-planned and guided the proceedings with his charm, humour and quick thinking. Damien’s skilful narration kept everyone on track and ensured that the event flowed as smooth as a disastrous wedding could, while leaving ample opportunity for Toastmasters to really express the best – and worst – of their characters.
Stay tuned for the next very extraordinary Port Hunter Toastmasters event!
