Who toasted Toppy Pops – the most popular boarder at the school and the most likely candidate standing for Head of the Hostel? Amber Bishis, her ruthless campaign manager; Ida Lyes, her charismatic competition; Faith Blind, Ida’s most fervent follower; Trudy Wonky; the geek with the know how; or one of the Pranks – third form twins with a penchant for deadly practical jokes?

This is the mystery facing Detective Sharon Sharp and her enthusiastic apprentice, Constable Karen Keen – who also have to contend with the soft hearted, Matron Lovely, the fearsome Principal Strictly, and batty  School Counselor Frankly.

The play, like the counselor is, says its author, “frankly bonkers”. It is a nutty whodunit which weaves its mysteries with witty word plays, vertebrae-snapping verbal gymnastics, non-stop slapstick and gags to gaggle at - or gag on! But it all works out in the end.

Toasted was written for Year 11 students at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School in 2001. It was performed again in 2002 by Howick Little Theatre where it enjoyed a season of packed houses. In 2005, Whangarei Girls’ High had a sell-out with it and, a year later, Howick Little theatre revived it for a second successful season.   It is 60 minutes long and provides excellent parts for 8 females.

NOTE: There are two versions of Toasted. The shorter version is the standard one. The longer version has four more parts for larger casts. The extra parts were written specifically for students at Girls High, three of whom were Maori.