'Romeo and Juliet for old people' coming to the Southern Highlands

Earlier this month, the production was granted funding from the Southern Tablelands Arts' Top Spots micro grants.

It follows former lovers Alf and Tilly who part from each other's lives but meet by chance on a park bench in their 70s, 30 years later.

As they are rekindling their romance, they are also learning about each other, having become versions of themselves the other needs to catch up and recognise.

Both have been hindered by health issues - Alf had a stroke, and sings and draws when he cannot speak. Mr Cole revealed that Tilly's illness "overshadows everything."

The playwright assured that it was not as melancholic as it seemed.

"The play discusses death and dying without being too heavy about it," he said.

"Hence the name, as they dance around each other."

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Mr Cole said he was "grateful" for the funding and "lots of artists will benefit from this."

He and director Dave Letch last year tested the waters by having a reading of the play at the Goulburn Club.

Mr Cole and Mr Letch said that it was the feedback from the public that made them think the play had potential as a professional production.

"The funding breaks the ice of paucity of funding of the arts, particularly theatre arts in the Highlands region," Mr Letch added.

"The thing that excites me is that it is a play with senior actors."

Mr Letch also mentioned that it was "very rare" for plays to cast senior actors.

Mr Cole added that it was a play that "affirms ageing, showing that it does not matter how old we are, as long as we love and are loved, and that people enjoy life."

The Waltz is due to hit the stage later in the year.

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