ALTHOUGH recognised as one of the most sought after directors in Jamaica today, Michael Nicholson is also an accomplished actor, having starred in 11 pantomimes and copping the Actor Boy Award in 2000 for his supporting work in Oliver’s Posse.

Nicholson’s acting skills will once again come to the fore as he takes on the role of Andre Pumpit in Stages Productions latest offering, The Plumber. Set to open this Friday, April 16, at the Green Gables Theatre on Cargill Avenue, The Plumber features Andrea ‘Delcita’ Wright, Garfield ‘Bad Boy Trevor’ Reid, Everaldo Creary, Belinda Reid and Trudy Bell.

In The Plumber, Janet (Belinda Reid) is frustrated with the lack of attention she is receiving both inside and outside of the bedroom from her husband John (Garfield Reid). Janet seeks solace in her old flame Pumpit but there is a major problem, he is now married to her only child Cindy (Trudy Bell). Matters become even more complicated when John invites his son Stamma (Everaldo Creary) up from the country to live with him and he takes along his sweetheart Delcita (Andrea Wright). As the story twists and turns, Delcita always finds herself in the middle, creating more pressure on the Joneses as they struggle to keep their marriage afloat.

Pumpit, a suave ladies’ man, is a far cry from ‘Stringbeans’, the role Nicholson is popularly known for on Royal Palm Estate. He sees this as an opportunity to showcase his diversity and to underline his ability to tackle serious roles.

“The character will be serious, charming, and most people who know me are not used to me playing that kind of character. My challenge will be to first convince myself and then my audience that I can and will play a convincing, serious role,” Michael says.

Nicholson explained that while the director’s job is to interpret the story and create stage pictures, the actor has to draw on emotional memory in order to play different types of roles. Having over the years directed actors how to move, speak and respond to various situations, he confidently brings his experience and ‘know how’ to the production.

“Over the years my name has been associated with quality work and good entertainment and it is my responsibility to maintain that reputation with this production”

And how is the director dealing with being directed?

“It’s been interesting! Each director has his own way and process of getting things done, Paul Beale is no exception. He knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it. And so far the process has been very good.”

The Plumber is written by Paul O Beale and co-directed by Stede ‘Jooky Jam’ Flash. Following the premier on Friday, the show will run from Wednesday to Saturday at 8:30 pm and on Sundays at 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm.