The writer of this years production said it is dedicated to the memory of his great friend, the late Mathew Dunbar. 

Mr Dunbar died at his property ‘Pandora’ on August 2 last year and Natasha Darcy was arrested on November 18 by detectives from Strike Force Ballin – the police operation set-up to probe the 42-year-old’s death which was labelled ‘suspicious’. She was charged with murder and has been in custody since.

“Mathew always gave up so much of his time with the editing, typing and printing of our scripts,” said Lance Partridge.  “This year we are grateful to Sue Harrison for her work editing and typing and to Elders Walcha for the printing.”

Mr Partridge said the play, which opens this Saturday night, is a mysterious and humorous comedy not to be missed.

“Backhoe Joe and the Blood Red Ruby is a must see for all fossickers, dreamers, and lovers of gemstones,” he said. “The play is set in the mid sixties and is based around Ruby and Joe Blouse, a couple in their mid fifties battling conditions on their small farm ‘Firebrook” situated in the Walcha area – somewhere between Campfire and Woolbrook.”

Director Mary Kuhr also plays the hardworking and disappearing Ruby, while Walcha Musical Society stalwart Lance graces the stage as dirty old Backhoe Joe.

“Anne Martin is the nosey, jumping-to-conclusions Hillary and the sexy, matter-of-fact hippy is played by Sue Harrison,” Mr Partridge said.  

“Join in the intrigue and suspense as the plot thickens and the obvious becomes clouded by deceit and lust. Take a look at the evidence: a grave-digging backhoe; a knife; happy hippies; and a blood-stained dress. Then discover the fate of our blood red Ruby.”

The final night next Saturday is all but sold out, but seats are still available for the opening night this Saturday, Sundays’ matinee and next Friday’s performance at the Walcha Ex Services Club.