Hardened criminals, a little old lady and a mangy parrot take centre stage in the black comedy The Ladykillers. This is a classic story that's endured many adaptations over the years. Originally it was a 1955 film, then an opera, a radio play and, more recently, a Coen Brothers movie remake starring Tom Hanks. Now Auckland Theatre Company are bringing it back for the summer.
Street gossip Mrs Wilberforce likes to keep a close eye on her neighbours' comings and goings. When she agrees to rent 'Professor' Marcus and his five associates some rooms in her house she has no idea they're about to pull off a bank heist.
The police might be clueless but Mrs Wilberforce soon works out what's going on. The crooks then have to decide what to do with the busybody before she talks. With only her parrot General Gordon for support, Mrs Wilberforce must outsmart five unscrupulous men.