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Sammy J In The Forest Of Dreams Comes To Downstage 3/8-23
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 03, 2009
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit musical with 14 puppets premieres in Wellington for the NZ International Comedy Festival Australian comedian Sammy J stars in Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams at Downstage Theatre 'Filthy, frenetic and gloriously funny. This joyful romp has got cult stage hit written all over it.'
Peter Feeney Comes To The Downstage For Comedy Fest 5/8-23
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 03, 2009
A Night with Beau Tyler: Just one hour can change your life! Ice cream commercial favourite Peter Feeney stars in an hour of self-help hysteria at Downstage Theatre for the NZ International Comedy Festival Amidst the disturbing world of the self-help industry shines a bright new star: Beau Tyler is on the comeback trail with a new self help system that will challenge the existing gurus of spin - and rock your world!
New Zealand Fringe Festival Names Flight of the Conchords' McKenzie & Clement Hall of Famers and Announces Awards
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2009
The New Zealand Fringe Festival capped off the one of the biggest festivals in its 19-year history by naming Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement as the inaugural members of the New Zealand Fringe Festival Hall of Fame.
NZ Fringe Festival's Awards & Closing Night Party Held 3/1
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2009
The glitz, the glamour and the gloriously-talented folk of cutting-edge entertainment will be showcased next Sunday at the New Zealand Fringe Festival's Awards and closing night party. The Fringe 09 Awards will be held at Wellington's Paramount Theatre Sunday, March 1. Doors open at 6pm, with the ceremony - and we use that term loosely in full Fringe fashion - kicking off at 6.45pm
MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE Returns To Downstage Theater 3/26-4/11
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 27, 2009
See Ginette McDonald starring in the strictly limited return season of My Brilliant Divorce, a wittily observant, achingly funny and heart-wrenchingly real one-woman tour de force. A sell-out in 2008, this comedy explores what life is like for Angela, recently dumped by her accountant husband for a younger model. Emotionally bereft and with self-confidence at an all time low, Angela slowly and at times painfully rebuilds her life. She finds herself adrift in a sea of weird sexual encounters, sneaky solicitors, phone-in counsellors, a bad case of hypochondria and the spectre of poverty. Should she fight to keep her husband? Or should she sign the final papers and move on?
Titirangi Theater Presents A MONTH OF SUNDAYS 3/10-21
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 24, 2009
Titirangi Theatre Presents... A Month of Sundays - by Bob Larby This bitter sweet comedy is set in a rest home in Southern England where two residents share memories of great sporting glories, and family and friendships are treated with wry humour.
NZ Fringe Festival's Awards & Closing Night Party Held 3/1
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 24, 2009
The glitz, the glamour and the gloriously-talented folk of cutting-edge entertainment will be showcased next Sunday at the New Zealand Fringe Festival's Awards and closing night party. The Fringe 09 Awards will be held at Wellington's Paramount Theatre Sunday, March 1. Doors open at 6pm, with the ceremony - and we use that term loosely in full Fringe fashion - kicking off at 6.45pm
The Court's HONOUR Questions All That We Take For Granted
by BWW News Desk - February 21, 2009
What happens when a safe, middle class, middle aged marriage suddenly stalls? When the opportunity arises for one life to be renewed but at the expense of the happiness and security of others? HONOUR, at The Court Theatre from 21st February is a provocative, witty challenge to our notions of domestic honour, homely decency and our belief that love will prevail. Joanna Murray-Smith wrote HONOUR in 1995 during a writing programme at Colombia University in New York. She wanted to explore a 'woman who is left at the very point in her life when she ought to be reaping the benefits of her sacrifice', and recognised that 'a story as familiar as this was only going to work if it dug more complexly beyond the stereotypical version'.
DUETS Opens At The Fortune Theater, Runs 2/20- 3/14
by BWW News Desk - February 20, 2009
The New Zealand Premiere of Duets by Peter Quilter is directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford. Duets is a gloriously funny examination of love, relationships and why the grass is never greener! The Play: Two actors play five sets of characters in five crucial moments - asking the questions: Is the grass greener? Would my life be better with or without this person? Duets is a fast, furious and hilarious tribute to mankind! MEET: The Characters: Wendy & Jonathan as they meet for the first time on a date organized through a ?singles' advertisement. Will they be a match made in heaven or is the only common factor their appalling bad taste?
THE FORGE Announces Eureka Trust 2009 Season
by BWW News Desk - February 19, 2009
For the past two years a passionate team of theatre practitioners have been creating edgy, challenging and dynamic theatre. In its 2009 season, The Forge at The Court Theatre continues to proudly present a line-up of contemporary theatre that will challenge, stimulate and entertain audiences.
Adam Page Makes His Debut At Downstage Theater 2/18-3/1
by BWW News Desk - February 18, 2009
Winner of the Best Music by an Emerging Artist Award at the 2007 Adelaide Fringe Festival and one of South Australia's finest saxophone players, Adam Page makes his debut appearance from 18 February till 1 March at Downstage Theatre as part of the 2009 New Zealand Fringe Festival. A wicked experience for all ages, fresh from a successful run at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adam Page Solo is an hilarious interactive and improvised music performance 'making Mike Oldfield seem over produced' (The Sunday Mail).
Strike Percussion Returns To DownStage For One Special Show
by BWW News Desk - February 15, 2009
Strike Percussion are back at Downstage for one very special show. Showcasing live favourites and tracks from their brand new album, Strike Soundsystem brings the exhilaration of four live percussionists who beat, bang, hammer and cajole a range of traditional and custom-made instruments into life. As a special treat, Strike have enlisted talents of local diva Lisa Tomlins (The Eggs), Mana (Rhombus) and hip hop/breaks DJ Samu (aka Sam Minns) - all of whom feature on Strike's new album.
SEEyD's Turbine Begins At Downstage 2/13
by BWW News Desk - February 13, 2009
With the controversial issue of wind farming SEEyD 'blows another gust of fresh air through Wellington theatre' (Laurie Atkinson, The Dominion Post). What happens when a company that's doing everything it can to save the environment can't reconcile with an already environmentally conscious family? At first the self-sufficient Gusten household in Ohanui is united in its opposition to erect seventy turbines in their ?backyard', but a family secret, erotic fiction, an autistic son, global warming and a most unlikely love story combine to crack their resolve.
Auckland Theater Company Presents THE 39 STEPS 2/12-3/7
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2009
Auckland Theatre Company in association with the Court Theatre presents The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan, adapted by Ross Gumbley. 12 February - 07 March 2009 They say there are no more heroes. They haven't met Richard Hannay yet. Director: Ross Gumbley Starring: Lisa Chappell, Stephen Papps, Cameron Rhodes Design: Tony Geddes, Elizabeth Whiting, Brad Gledhill Four fearless actors play 139 roles in 100 madcap minutes in this inventive adaptation of John Buchan's classic British spy thriller.
PLAY ON By Rick Abbott Opens At Porirua Little Theatre
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 10, 2009
When a theatre group is offered a royalty-free play 'Murder Most Foul' from new playwright Phyllis Montague, the group welcome the chance to put the theatre back into the black for the first time in years. The group tries desperately to put on the play, amid all kinds of maddening interference from its authoress, who keeps revising the script until almost opening night. During the actual performance anything that can go wrong does. At the curtain call Phyllis decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre and what befalls her is the madcap climax to this hilarious romp.
The Court's HONOUR Questions All That We Take For Granted
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 09, 2009
What happens when a safe, middle class, middle aged marriage suddenly stalls? When the opportunity arises for one life to be renewed but at the expense of the happiness and security of others? HONOUR, at The Court Theatre from 21st February is a provocative, witty challenge to our notions of domestic honour, homely decency and our belief that love will prevail. Joanna Murray-Smith wrote HONOUR in 1995 during a writing programme at Colombia University in New York. She wanted to explore a 'woman who is left at the very point in her life when she ought to be reaping the benefits of her sacrifice', and recognised that 'a story as familiar as this was only going to work if it dug more complexly beyond the stereotypical version'.
Taki Rua Productions' STRANGE RESTING PLACES Returns 3/16-22
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 05, 2009
Taki Rua Productions' Strange Resting Places is not resting in 2009 and is continuing with the success it has enjoyed in recent years. Written by Paolo Rotondo and Rob Mokaraka, the play is crafted from contemporary storytelling, personal experience and extensive research, with music and comedy in Maori, Italian and English and some hilarious and moving characters. Before heading off on an international adventure it returns to Wellington from 16 March (for one week only) shining a light on the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand's wartime history and the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians: whānau, food and song - not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies.
Helen O'Connor & Simon Hopkinson's LIPSTICK DREAMS Opens 3/7
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 03, 2009
Lipstick Dreams is a comedy by Helen O'Connor and Simon Hopkinson/Aust/1988 Directed by Rae McGregor Season: March 7 - 28, 8pm Matinees: Sunday, March 8 & 15, 6pm Winning a talent quest could be just the answer for four women who long to escape their predictable lives in a small country town. Set in the Blue Heaven hairdressing salon, the play follows the women as they swap their hairbrushes for microphones and head off on a humorous and poignant journey to transform themselves into an all-girl singing group. Described by the Times of London as 'fresh, vigorous and funny', Lipstick Dreams is a must-see play full of laughter, tears and fun, with toe-tapping songs from the Swinging 60s that will have you dancing in the aisles!Book online at www.iticket.co.nz or phone Howick Little Theatre on (09) 534 1406* *Please note additional fees may apply
DUETS Opens At The Fortune Theater, Runs 2/20- 3/14
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 02, 2009
The New Zealand Premiere of Duets by Peter Quilter is directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford. Duets is a gloriously funny examination of love, relationships and why the grass is never greener! The Play: Two actors play five sets of characters in five crucial moments - asking the questions: Is the grass greener? Would my life be better with or without this person? Duets is a fast, furious and hilarious tribute to mankind! MEET: The Characters: Wendy & Jonathan as they meet for the first time on a date organized through a ?singles' advertisement. Will they be a match made in heaven or is the only common factor their appalling bad taste?
Auckland Festival Showcases VENUS & ADONIS 3/18-3/22
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 02, 2009
Auckland Festival 09 'Venus & Adonis' Theatre Wednesday, 18 March 2009 until Sunday, 22 March 2009 Venus & Adonis Bell Shakespeare and Malthouse Melbourne (Australia) Shakespeare?s Venus and Adonis is a subversive re-working of Ovid?s original love story: it is vulgar, funny, sexy and whole-hearted. This Venus and Adonis is an equally subversive re-working of Shakespeare.
THE ALTRUISTS Brings Sex And Murder To Bats Theater
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 02, 2009
The Altruists Season: Wednesday 21 - Saturday 31 January (no show Sun/Mon) Time: 7pm Tickets: $18 full / $13 concession & groups (8+) book now! book@bats.co.nz By Nicky Silver and directed by Gene Alexander When an anorexic soap star fed up with the philandering ways of her politically radical Kerouac wanna-be boyfriend finally snaps and commits murder, she desperately enlists the aid of her brother Roland to cover up the crime. But her social worker sibling is busy with his own project; 'reforming' a dangerous young street hustler with a penchant for drugs and a flair for the dramatic.... From the company that brought you Dostoevsky Trip and The Little Tragedies comes The Altruists, a dark farce penned by the enfant terrible of downtown New York theatre, Nicky Silver. With political incorrectness, hysterical tantrums, neurosis, ketosis, murder, and enough sex to satisfy you for hours no matter what your orientation.
LE GRAND CIRQUE Is Now Running For Limited Time At The Civic
by Gabrielle Sierra - February 02, 2009
Le Grand Cirque to run from 31st January for a limited season at The Civic $44.90 - $74.90* Seen by millions of people around the world, Le Grand Cirque is a jaw-dropping visual feast of breathtaking acrobatics, spellbinding contortionists, soaring aerial performers and white-knuckle stunts. With an international company of over 35 world champion acrobats and feature acts Canada, the performers have been hand picked from around the globe for their unbelievable abilities and precision skill. The result is a fast-paced, heart-pounding spectacle that will astound you and keep you at the edge of your seats!
Potent Pause Presents THE CHAIRS Opening 3/12
by Gabrielle Sierra - January 16, 2009
Potent Pause Productions as part of the Auckland Festival 2009 present The Chairs/Les Chaises by Eugene Ionesco The Chairs will be performed in French and in English as follows: Thurs 12 - Sat 14 March 2009 (English) 8pm Sun 15 March 2009 (English) 6pm Tues 17 - Sat 21 March 2009 (French) 8pm Sun 22 March 2009 (French) 6pm Tues 24 - Sat 28 March 2009 (English) 8pm No performances Monday Telephone bookings: (09) 308 2383 Directed and designed by George Tudor Cast: Michael Lawrence, Cristina Ionda and Denise Snoad Two characters, an old man and old woman, arrange chairs for a series of invisible guests who are invited to hear an orator reveal the old man's discovery of the meaning of life. The message is left with the orator, but he is deaf-mute and cannot relay it.
Auckland Theater Company Presents THE 39 STEPS 2/12-3/7
by Gabrielle Sierra - January 16, 2009
Auckland Theatre Company in association with the Court Theatre presents The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan, adapted by Ross Gumbley. 12 February - 07 March 2009 They say there are no more heroes. They haven't met Richard Hannay yet. Director: Ross Gumbley Starring: Lisa Chappell, Stephen Papps, Cameron Rhodes Design: Tony Geddes, Elizabeth Whiting, Brad Gledhill Four fearless actors play 139 roles in 100 madcap minutes in this inventive adaptation of John Buchan's classic British spy thriller.
Strike Percussion Returns To DownStage For One Special Show
by Gabrielle Sierra - January 13, 2009
Strike Percussion are back at Downstage for one very special show. Showcasing live favourites and tracks from their brand new album, Strike Soundsystem brings the exhilaration of four live percussionists who beat, bang, hammer and cajole a range of traditional and custom-made instruments into life. As a special treat, Strike have enlisted talents of local diva Lisa Tomlins (The Eggs), Mana (Rhombus) and hip hop/breaks DJ Samu (aka Sam Minns) - all of whom feature on Strike's new album.

Videos


Cabaret - Preview 1 in New Zealand Cabaret - Preview 1
ASB Waterfront Theatre (9/22 - 9/22)
Menopause The Musical in New Zealand Menopause The Musical
The Civic, Auckland (3/13 - 3/13)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in New Zealand Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Isaac Theatre Royal (4/23 - 5/9)
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