Or be like actor Valerie Ratcliff and do both on the same night.

In a rare mix of fortunate casting, helpful timing and general goodwill, Ratcliff will finish her role in Othello at Albury Botanic Gardens and then head to Albury Entertainment Centre to join fellow cast members in Spamalot.

"I did consider running," she said with a laugh.

The Other Theatre Company (Othello) and Livid Productions (Spamalot) each held auditions in September.

Trying out for both and not expecting dual success, Ratcliff was nevertheless pleased to see the rehearsal schedules didn't clash.

She didn't realise at first, however, two of the performances did.

But with her Othello role of Desdemona's father Brabantio only in the first three scenes - and that show starting an hour earlier than Spamalot - both companies agreed an uncommon double act was possible.

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"It was really generous of them," Ratcliff said.

"It's such a pleasure to work with both casts; they're all very talented and really great people. I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity."

Rehearsing two shows at once has been "hectic but delightful", with Othello opening last Saturday after Friday's first night had to be cancelled owing to last week's rain.

Spamalot actors came along to watch while Shakespearean players plan to reciprocate this week when possible.

On Friday and Saturday nights Ratcliff will receive microphone, wig and beard at the gardens, perform her scenes and then quickly depart to change into her opening ensemble lady costume for show number two.

"Luckily all of my costumes cover my hair, so if I have wig sweat, it won't be a big deal," she said.

"But I'm going to have to re-make-up obviously, because I'll have a 5 o'clock shadow for Brabantio."

Contrasting themes make any confusion between her roles unlikely and the other actors have been supportive, even if "I think they think it's a bit nuts of me".

Ratcliff said her husband and family also helped with her challenging program.

"I really hope the community will come out and support both productions because they're really quite wonderful," she said.