Vol. 2 No. 3 Apr 2016

Roger Hall’s YOU CAN ALWAYS HAND THEM BACK Music and lyrics by Peter Skellern THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

FUNDERS PRINCIPAL

CORE FUNDER PARTNERS PRESENTING

FUNDER PARTNER UNIVERSITY Artistic Director's Note

Artistic Director Colin McColl M A J O R

SUPPORTERS It's extraordinary to think that You Can Always Hand Them Back is for forty years has been a collaboration between Roger and entertaining us with his comedies. For Peter Skellern – distinguished UK

forty years he’s charted ’s singer/songwriter – and has enjoyed social history and presented it to us tremendous success throughout New

MEDIA as an entertaining and assured "good Zealand and in England. PARTNERS night out", with lots of laughs, lots of For this premiere we’re heart and a few home truths. From the lucky to have gathered a talented team

early days of Glide Time and Middle Age of Hall “veterans”. Director Janice Spread through to recent hit comedies Finn and actors Darien Takle and like Who Wants to be 100? and Four Peter Hayden are all superb exponents PARTNERS SUPPORTING Flat Whites In Italy, Roger is without a of Roger’s work. Huge thanks to doubt NZ’s best-loved playwright, so them and to music director Jason Te

it’s a great delight to present his latest Mete (who also appears as the third Q Theatre work for you. character in the play), choreographer SKYCITY Theatre You Can Always Hand Them Back Jeremy Birchall, set designer Rachael Herald Theatre

PARTNERS puts the “grand” into grandparenting. Walker, costume designer Lisa 2016 VENUE In today's frenetic economic climate, Holmes, lighting designer Phillip how would many mothers and Dexter and AV designer Simon fathers maintain their busy working Barker: a top team to bring you top lives if it wasn’t for the generosity of entertainment. ATC Patrons and Supporting Acts

2016 2016 grandparents – who often give up their Enjoy! own careers, hobbies and interests to BENEFACTORS care for their grandchildren.

1 Director's Note

Director Janice Finn

Chances are a great many of you factor, first with the aches and pains who are reading these notes will that strike as the tiny babies morph have come to see You Can Always into tubby toddlers, followed by the Hand Them Back because it’s a play by inevitable ticking of the clock that Roger Hall. Roger has delighted and seems to be gathering speed. amused audiences for forty years, This is the sixth Roger Hall play proving time and time again that I have directed and again it’s been New Zealanders can’t get enough a pleasure. If you enjoyed Darien of his recognisable take on the lives Takle and Peter Hayden in ATC’s of ordinary Kiwis. This joyful and Lysistrata you will love seeing them poignant offering, with great music together again, this time as Grandma by Peter Skellern, covers twelve and Grandpa rocking it up to Peter years in the lives of a retired couple Skellern’s clever score played Left Field wines, who – hurray! – finally become impeccably by our pianist and musical grandparents. But this longed for director, Jason Te Mete. This talented birthplace of state isn’t all koochikoo, kisses and cast and our fantastic creative team cuddles. The initial celebrations led by set designer Rachael Walker, the unexpected, are followed by the stark reality of lighting designer Phillip Dexter and babysitting: crying babies, dirty choreographer Jeremy Birchall have nappies, toddlers’ tantrums, sleepless worked their butts off to bring you the weird and the nights, not to mention the cost of this funny, moving, energetic and prams promised in the first flush of memorable piece of classic Roger Hall. wonderful. Enjoy Left Field responsibly. grandparental pride. Age is a constant My heartfelt thanks to all of them. leftfieldwines.com 2

LF1504-861_atc_advert_210x148mm.indd 2 16/04/15 1:05 PM CAST Kath — Darien Takle Maurice — Peter Hayden Pianist — Jason Te Mete

CREATIVE Director — Janice Finn Musical Director — Jason Te Mete Choreographer — Jeremy Birchall Set Designer — Rachael Walker Costume Designer — Lisa Holmes Lighting Designer — Phillip Dexter MSc AV Designer — Simon Barker Sound Designer — Jason Smith

PRODUCTION Production Manager — Robert Hunte Company Manager — Elaine Walsh Stage Manager — Sami Vance Technical Manager — Nik Janiurek Technical Operator — Rochelle Bond Set Construction — 2Construct Sound Engineer — Arran Eley Props Master — Amy Snape

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR HELP WITH THIS PRODUCTION: Aaron Paap and the team at University Event Services.

You Can Always Hand Them Back is the second Auckland Theatre Company mainbill production for 2016 and opened on April 2nd at SKYCITY Theatre. The production is approximately 1 hour 47 minutes plus a 20 minute interval. Please remember to switch off all mobile phones, pagers and watch alarms.

4 THE FULL HALL: A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROGER HALL AND ATC BY SIMON PRAST

ate last year I had the play Market Forces for a season at the privilege of a sharing an Herald Theatre and, due to actual Lexquisite lunch at Orphan’s market forces and the demand for Kitchen with Simon Wilson, Roger’s play, we had to transfer the Ray Henwood, Janice Finn, season to the Maidment mainstage. Briar Grace-Smith, and Philippa Going from 186 seats to over 400 Campbell. Our guest of honour seats was a significant step in the was Roger Hall. history of the company, and helped ATC staff and audiences alike see Simon Wilson asked me “what that we were stepping into the big was Roger to Auckland Theatre league. So Roger has played a major Company? He was obviously part in ATC’s development from the important.” start. The answer to that took me right ATC’s fifth play was Roger’s back to the beginnings of ATC. By Degrees, which starred Ilona Market Forces is key to the story of Rodgers, Jude Gibson, Rachel Auckland Theatre Company, because House and Judie Douglas (Roger we started from nothing and had to writes great parts for women). Cathy earn our way into credibility. We had Downes directed and Tracy Grant- originally programmed Roger Hall’s Lord designed.

6 7 I asked Ilona about her quotes him as saying: "The ATC memories of the play. She recalls audience is really my demographic “four women, each talking to the ... I am a chronicler of the times, audience about their experience of and I represent the theatre-going being a mature university student. (person) and the stories that affect I loved these monologues and those people are the ones that I how they blended and coalesced write and reach them with." seamlessly, each one moving the To demonstrate how prolific, audience along. I never thought I prodigious, prescient (and would be a mature student then, profitable!) a chronicler of our but nine years later there I was at times Roger has been, here a full list Clockwise: Simon Prast, Roger Hall, and University! In my first semester, of those of his plays that featured Janice Finn at the Orphan's Kitchen lunch I kept thinking ‘oh I've already done on ATC’s playbill: this!’, although my character was doing history and I was doing Arts 1994: By Degrees Management. In my first round of 1996: Market Forces research, I remembered one of the 1997: Social Climbers At the Orphan’s Kitchen lunch, first play more or less around the women in the play talking about 1999: The Bookclub I related my experience as actor same age as Chekhov, so I have a READING TOO MUCH and going 2001: Take a Chance on Me in one of Roger’s most famous feeling that the mid-thirties is the into overload; thank goodness I 2003: Middle Age Spread plays: “I’m remembering in Glide time to start! But – if my work is remembered that and got more 2004: Spreading Out Time, playing Hugh. He basically called Chekhovian, I can have no strategic. My character got Honours 2005: Taking Off said, ‘well, I’m going to stay with higher praise.” and so did I! It was life imitating 2007: Who Wants to be 100? my wife’ and there was a look… Roger’s gift to us all is his art…” 2008: Who Needs Sleep Anyway Theresa Healey was playing Beryl uncanny ability to conjure That interplay of life and art 2009: Four Flat Whites in Italy and it was a Chekhovian moment characters we know. We recognize has always been Roger Hall’s forte. 2012: A Shortcut to Happiness where this woman had been, you their hopes and dreams; we laugh know, playing along with this man, at their foibles, because we can To that list, but when push came to shove, he see them in ourselves and in each we now add was staying with his wife and so other; and, as with poor Beryl “Roger’s work is perfectly suited tonight’s show: Beryl’s heart broke… on stage. It above, we feel their pain. That is to the audience ATC aims to 2016: You Can was such a big dramatic moment.” why Roger Hall is New Zealand’s Always Hand Simon Wilson said “that must be most popular playwright. connect with” Them Back. nice to hear, Roger, a Chekhovian Roger Hall’s contribution to Many of these moment.” the early and ongoing success of productions Roger’s reply? “Well, I have ATC is unrivalled. Roger knows In an article published in 2002 to went on to tour the North Island, the same birthday as Chekhov his audience and, for over two celebrate ATC’s tenth anniversary, proving the enormous audience (January 29) so quite clearly decades now, to the mutual delight “Take A Chance On Us”, writer Dita reach and enduring popular there’s a connection.” Over the of the Auckland Theatre Company di Boni points out that Roger’s work reputation of the playwright, for laughter, he added “I’m very and Auckland theatre-goers, the is perfectly suited to the audience all New Zealand audiences, not proud that I have the same audiences have come and come ATC aims to connect with. She just Aucklanders. birthday as Chekhov. I wrote my and come.

8 9 Because we love Auckland, we want it to be better. Because the best schools aren’t good enough and the worst ones need a revolution. Because the politicians get it wrong and so do the academics and the lawyers and the cops and the artists and Roger Hall the banks. Not always, but too often, so PLAYWRIGHT things need to be said. Exposed. Argued.

0 Years a theatregoer; 50 years Laughed at. Because there are so many good a writer; 40 years a playwright. things to eat, and wear, and see and hear Roger Hall’s first stage play, 7Glide Time, was produced in 1976, and be a part of (and sometimes they’re and was a smash hit throughout the country. His next play, Middle not as good as they should be either, which Age Spread, was equally successful throughout New Zealand, and also also needs to be said). Because we cherish went to the West End where it ran for 15 months and won Comedy of so many of the people of this city, and we the Year Award, and has since been seen in nine other countries. want to tell you about them and show He has been writing a stage play them to you. Because of all this: Isn't it time every year since then, plus musicals and pantomimes. you picked up a copy of the latest Metro He has written more than 70 sitcom episodes for TV, from Gliding magazine? On to Spin Doctors, and had two series of the comedy Conjugal Rites made and screened in the UK. Recent plays have included Who On sale now. Wants to be 100? (Anyone Who’s 99); Four Flat Whites in Italy; A Short Cut to Happiness; Book Ends and You Can Always Hand Them Back. He has been awarded a QSO, a CNZM, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Victoria University, and a 2015 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.

10

2016 ATC Metro Ad.indd 1 25/01/2016 10:13:28 a.m. Peter Hayden Darien Takle MAURICE KATH

aving spent many years in Recent theatre work includes raduate of Toi Whakaari, and Woods, and Darien Takle Sings Brecht. working between his Pulitzer Prize finalist Time Stands Still, Elam School of Fine Arts Theatre roles include Jean in ‘twin’ passions of drama and at the Fortune in Dunedin. However, GDarien has been an actress, Midnight in Moscow, Rita in Educating H singer and writer for over 40 years Rita, Ophelia in Hamlet and the Mother documentary film making, Peter is over the last 3 years, Peter has been now happy to be strongly focused on privileged to appear in several and a grandmother for 11. With three in The God Boy (for ATC). Darien drama and really chuffed to be back Auckland Theatre productions: Other grandchildren Darien has plenty of received an AFTA screen award for working with the team at Auckland Desert Cities, Trees Beneath the Lake, material for this, her seventh Roger best actress in the Feature film Xmas. Theatre Company. The Ladykillers and Lysistrata, where he Hall play. Other films include The Lost Tribe, His recent screen appearances and Darien Takle played an embattled, Darien’s last production for The Ugly, Deceit, A Song of Good, Bread have included TV series 800 Words aging couple in this Greek ‘battle of Auckland Theatre Company was and Roses and Heavenly Creature. and Hillary as well as the soon to the sexes’. There’s a lot less sparring Lysistrata. It was a highlight of her Television credits includes Both be released movie Light Between and heaps more fun between them in career working again with Michael Sides of the Fence, Marlin Bay, Mercy the Oceans. Perhaps the strangest You Can Always Hand them Back, and it's Hurst and gaily flinging her clothes in Peak, Burying Brian, Typhon’s People, experience of 2015 was playing a delight to be sharing the stage again the air. In this production Darien will Xena Warrior Princess (playing Xena’s Robert Redford’s ‘body double’ in the with Darien. keep her clothes on but is delighted to Mum), the Australian series Possession kids’ movie Pete’s Dragon, shot here in still have Peter playing her husband and recently the Hillary series. New Zealand. as he did in Lysistrata. “Long may Roger write for actors Darien has played the lead in of a certain age. We love him for many productions notably Edith that. Perhaps when I have been in Piaf in Piaf, Fantine in Les Miserables more than 10 Roger Halls I will (), Eva Peron in Evita, Sally be inducted into the Roger Hall Boles in Cabaret, the Witch in Into The of Fame.”

12 13 Jason Te Mete Janice Finn PIANIST/ MUSICAL DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

riginally from , Always Hand Them Back, The Mikado, anice’s association with Roger with the Sydney Theatre Company Jason comes from a musical Anything Goes and La Cage Aux Folles Hall’s plays began with her (alongside a young Mel Gibson), family where he was (The Court Theatre, ), Jpremiere production of Take a Melbourne Theatre Company and O Chance On Me for Auckland Theatre the State Theatre Company of South encouraged to learn classical piano Stepping Out (Auckland Theatre from an early age. He enhanced his Company), Raymond Hawthorne's Company in 2001. She has gone on Australia. musicianship by studying at Victoria acclaimed production of The Consul to cement her collaboration with Returning to her hometown University of before (Opera Factory) and most recently Roger as director of Spreading Out, Auckland to join Television New moving to Auckland in 2002 where Guys & Dolls with Auckland Theatre Cinderella and Who Wants to be 100? Zealand, she trained as a drama he broadened his horizons and now Company. for Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre and director and went on to direct Open works as a freelance actor, singer, Jason has directed several then the hugely successful Four Flat House, Seekers and Country GP. She dancer, director, vocal coach, musical musicals, including Mrs McGinty and Whites In Italy for Auckland Theatre is best known as the co-creator director and pianist. The Bizarre Plant (The Court Theatre), Company in 2009. and producer of the award-winning Jason received outstanding and The 25th Annual Putnam County Janice began her career in the ‘super-soap’ Gloss. reviews for his performance as Spelling Bee (Manukau Performing theatre in the seventies as a member Following the success of Mitch Albom in the NZ premiere of Arts), which won 9 NAPTA Awards of the Downstage Theatre Company, Gloss, Janice went on to produce Tuesdays With Morrie (Newmarket including Best Musical, Best Director where she established herself as Marlin Bay. In her subsequent Stage Company), and his recent and Best Ensemble Cast. He was one of the leading actresses of career in television she has performance and musical direction also musical director for Altar Boyz her generation. She was known in produced reality, lifestyle and of the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Fortune Theatre, Dunedin), Little Shop particular for her roles as Hedda arts programmes, been a General season of K'Rd Strip, Okareka Dance of Horrors, Checkout Chicks, The Twits in Hedda Gabler, Sonya in Uncle Manager of Communicado, a Company's highly acclaimed devised (ATC), and Blood Brothers with Annie Vanya, Rosalind in As You Like It Network Commissioning Editor for work, received 5-star international Whittle and Ray Woolf. and The Mother in Steven Berkoff’s TVNZ and produced international reviews. He has performed in You Can Metamorphosis directed by Berkoff. documentaries for Natural History NZ. She went on to star as Jane Hart in Janice most recently directed the long-running television series Roger Hall’s Social Climbers at the Close To Home, and also had a guest Pumphouse Theatre, as well as Six role in historical epic The Governor. Dance Lessons In Six Weeks, a play she’d Janice moved to Australia and acted been wanting to direct for a decade.

14 15 Jeremy Birchall Rachael Walker CHOREOGRAPHER SET DESIGNER

eremy first worked with Returning home to New Zealand ith a passion for both The Cut, Lobby Hero, Some Girl(s), Auckland Theatre Company in Jeremy has enjoyed stepping into set and costume design The Case Of , Under Jthe production of Cabaret in 1999 the director's shoes more often and WRachael has spent the Milk Wood and Glide Time. and has worked with the company has most recently enjoyed directing past 14 years specialising in Theatre She also designed Mother both on and offstage ever since, the King's College productions of Design. For Auckland Theatre Courage and Her Children, Balm in most recently as choreographer on Grease and Urinetown and writing and Company, her works include The Gilead, The Dining Room, Jacques Brel Rupert and Guys and Dolls. In a career directing an original work Into The Ladykillers, Other Desert Cities, Polly is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, spanning over 20 years Jeremy has Hood for Diocesan School. Jeremy Hood In Mumuland, Anne Boleyn, Kings The Three Sisters, Top Girls, Cloud enjoyed working in both theatre and has toured New Zealand with the Of The Gym, The Gift, In The Next Nine, Macbeth, Scenes From The Big film. His diverse range of skills has Ben McDonald productions Pirates Room (Or The Vibrator Play), Calendar Picture, Measure For Measure, Sons, afforded many varied opportunities Of Penzance, Oklahoma and The Great Girls, God Of Carnage, Who Needs The Crucible (Unitec), A Number, The here in New Zealand as well as Gatsby as both choreographer and Sleep Anyway?, End Of The Rainbow, Return and Proof (A Lethal Set), and overseas as an actor, dancer, performer, performed in La Traviata The Tutor, The Bach, The Vagina Aladdin (Auckland Festival'03). She choreographer, voice-over artist and and Carmen at North Harbour Monologues, Play 2 and Play 2.03. also had fun designing the set for director. Stadium and toured with Co. Theatre Theatre highlights for Tim Bray's Royal Jubilee Performance Holding both regional and Physical's production of Ohh Baby Silo include Angels In America, of Hairy Maclary in 2012. national titles in Aerobics and Hip Baby. Jeremy is a proud member of Midsummer, Private Lives, The Brothers Rachael was the 2008 URBIS Hop, Jeremy continued to dance for Actors Equity. Size, Loot, Holding The Man, Betrayal, Best Stage Designer. the Candy Lane Dancers for over 16 "What fun it is to bring this show years. Whilst living in London in to the stage with such a fabulous 2007 - 2008 Jeremy performed in Hot team - there's been a lot of laughs in Havana and taught dance at the West along the way!" End dance school – Creation Dance.

16 17 Phillip Dexter MSc LIGHTING DESIGNER

hillip’s previous lighting At The Wake (Centrepoint Theatre), designs for Auckland Theatre Lucia Di Lammermoor and Turandot PCompany include Polo, Rupert, (NZ Opera). The Ladykillers, The Good Soul of While based in London, Phillip’s Lisa Holmes Szechuan, Other Desert Cities, Lord international work included of The Flies, A Shortcut to Happiness, designs at Donmar Warehouse, COSTUME DESIGNER In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator The Globe, Hampstead Theatre, The Play), Calendar Girls, Mary Stuart, Royal Opera House - Covent Garden, Poor Boy, Le Sud, Equus, The Blonde Opera Conservatory - Royal College Lisa Holmes has worked in Massey University scholar and holds The Brunette and The Vengeful of Music. theatre, film, opera and advertising first class honours in a Bachelor of Redhead, Doubt and Up for Grabs. Phillip is director of Limeburner in both Wellington and Auckland Design - Fashion. Lisa has previously He works regularly for all the Design Ltd (www.limeburner.co.nz), including time with the New Zealand worked with Auckland Theatre major theatre companies in New which specialises in theatre and Opera (La Cenerentola, Madama Company as Costume Designer for Zealand. Recent productions architectural lighting design. Butterfly, Tosca), World of Wearable Enlightenment (2015), assisted with include God of Carnage, Four Flat Training includes a Master of Art, Elizabeth Whiting Costumes, Jesus Christ Superstar (2014) and will Whites in Italy, Death and The Maiden Science in light and lighting from Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ninth also be the Costume Designer for (Newmarket Stage), Rock ‘N’ Roll UCL, London. Product design Floor Productions - American That Bloody Womanlater in 2016. Lisa (), Don Juan in Soho, includes lighting instruments for television pilot Lumen, Tawata gets huge enjoyment from working Lucky Numbers (Fortune Theatre), film recently used on the studio Productions, IDC Worldwide, Weta with the talented creative team, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, components of Avatar and The Lion, Workshop, Mandatory Menswear cast and crew at Auckland Theatre Oliver! (The Court), The Graduate, The Witch and The Wardrobe. and Auckland Arts Festival. Lisa is a Company. Dracula, The Goat (Downstage),

18 19 Jason Smith Simon Barker SOUND DESIGNER AV DESIGNER

ason has been composing music He works on a broad range of imon runs the successful of the most experimental live video for television and theatre for projects, including television, film, creative video production in the country. 22 years. As a keyboard player theatre, advertising and marketing company Lotech Media Recent works include the J S th he has performed throughout New campaigns, pop music, children's specialising in production for critically acclaimed 20 Anniversary Zealand, Australia, Europe and the music, choral arrangements, many of Aotearoa’s largest Music retrospective Siva for Black Grace USA. His work as the Music Editor string arrangements, musical and Arts festivals along with Dance company, the independent on ABC/Disney's Legend of the Seeker improvisation, corporate events, numerous awards ceremonies and production 2015 Between 2 Waves (winner of a Best Music Emmy radio drama and comedy, sound theatrical productions. Having and ATC’s own 2013 production of Award) and the STARZ network's design, music production and worked in the creative video scene The Glass Menagerie. Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Gods of engineering. for over 15 years he now has a team the Arena, Vengeance, and War of the Jason is also an emerging of digital creatives producing some Damned, has been enjoyed by a global writer/director and producer. He is audience of millions. currently writing and developing an Jason built and runs Platform original comedy series for television. Studios in central Auckland.

20 21 The Year Ahead

2016 is a particularly special year benefitted from those in the past who for Auckland Theatre Company gave. There isn’t a theatre, art gallery as the ASB Waterfront Theatre is or arts institution anywhere that hasn’t on track to open in late September relied on the generosity of private and change the landscape of the donors. performing arts in Auckland. ATC’s If the Arts have given you pleasure Picture of current construction, view across Impression and view of the stage from the first year operating out of its own for much of your life, then you could seating block in the Circle. February 2016. Aisle seat in the Circle. flagship theatre will be followed by indeed consider ATC as one of your Credit: Andrew Malmo Credit: Moller Architects its 25th year of operation in 2017. beneficiaries. Just think, in a few Both of these milestones have only months' time, you could be enjoying been possible through the hard ASB's Auckland Theatre Company work, dedication and generosity of production of Billy Elliot the Musical in a many people. seat with your name on it.” To date, an astonishing $35.5 Thanks to our supporters of the Private philanthropy is playing an million has been raised to carry out increasingly large role in realising the the construction of the ASB Waterfront Foundation Partners arts, a trend that is becoming more and Theatre. However, a further $500,000 more apparent both internationally is needed to complete the extensive fit- and here in New Zealand. Collectively, out of the performance space. private donors have given upwards of $2 With just six short months left million towards the construction of the until the theatre’s completion we urge ASB Waterfront Theatre and the support you to join Roger and the many other Major Funders continues. One of the Company’s generous and loyal supporters who have valued Founders Club Members is already donated to Auckland Theatre also tonight’s playwright and recent Company’s new home. More than two recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award decades of sacrifice, commitment and for Literary Achievement, Roger Hall. generosity have taken the Company this When asked about why he decided far, but your help now will get us over to give to the ASB Waterfront Theatre, the final hurdle. Roger said, “Of course I wanted to If you would like to donate and support Auckland Theatre Company contribute to this legacy for Auckland and the new theatre. ATC has done so please visit www.asbwaterfronttheatre. much for me over the years, both as a co.nz or call the ATC Development Team playwright and as a theatregoer. To make on 09 309 0390. More information on a donation was a duty and a pleasure.” the ASB Waterfront Theatre Founders Founding Benefactors, To find out more or for information on how to donate visit “If you can afford it,” he says, “then Club and how to Take a Seat is available Patrons and Donors www.asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz or call 09 309 0390 you should donate. After all, we have all over the page.

22 23 Giving to the The Over the past five years we have raised an impressive $35.5 million to fund the construction of the ASB Waterfront Theatre; however, this does not mean our job is over. We are still in the process of raising the further $500,000 Iconic required for the fit-out items needed to complete this incredible facility and we need your help to do so. e have a range of ways you TAKE A SEAT: Stroller can show your support for We are inviting theatre-lovers to Wthe ASB Waterfront Theatre, engrave their name in theatre history and all donations are fully receipted by Taking a Seat in the ASB Waterfront for tax deduction purposes. Theatre for a donation of $1,000. Take a Seat supporters will have their Bugaboo Cameleon3 Join The ASB Waterfront Theatre name and message placed on a seat The original all-in-one that parents love. Founders Club: plaque and will receive an invitation The Founders Club is a group of to an exclusive champagne reception 160311 AUS PrF3 B3 LS 138x95 Auckland Theatre Company.indd 1 11/03/16 12:24 highly committed people who are and seat unveiling evening upon the passionate about creating this world- theatre’s completion, prior to the class performing arts venue as a opening season. legacy for Auckland. In recognition Please note there are a limited Sales, Rentals, of their investment, members will not number of seats available and only be given the chance to experience instalment payments are happily Repairs & Servicing everything this incredible facility has accepted. For more information on to offer before anyone else, they are Taking a Seat please contact Rosalind also afforded name recognition in the Hemmings – [email protected] or theatre in perpetuity, and invitations 09 309 0390 ext 281. to opening programme events and Bring this ad into any other special occasions. MAKE A ONE OFF DONATION: The levels of investment for the All donations, regardless of size, make KBB Music Store Founders Club begin at $5,000, a huge difference to our fundraising AND RECEIVE which can be paid in instalments to efforts. Over the past few years we maximise tax effectiveness. For more have accumulated tens of thousands information on becoming a Founders of dollars through smaller one-off Club member, please contact ATC donations, proving the power of 15 % O F F Freephone Development Manager, Linden collective private giving. So whether Tierney – [email protected] or 09 309 it is $10 or $100, any contribution you 0390 ext 272. can make to help us build our new Books and Accessories 0800 775 226 home is greatly appreciated. One-off donations can be made via our website /kbbmusic at www.asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz. EXPIRES 30 APRIL 2016 kbbmusic.co.nz 24 For the leading news, reviews What’s On in Theatres and coverage of Auckland Arts and Entertainment, see Around The Country? metromag.co.nz

ASB presents The Auckland Theatre Company Medea Stag Weekend Joyful & Educating Rita Niu Sila production of by Kate Mulvany and by Dan Bain & Triumphant by Willy Russell by Oscar Kightley Anne-Louise Sarks Brendon Bennetts and Dave Armstrong Billy Elliot by Original concept by Court Theatre The Musical Anne-Louise Sarks Centrepoint Theatre Fortune Theatre Circa One 28 May – 25 June Music by Elton John after Euripides 1 April – 14 May 2 April – 7 May 30 April - 21 May Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall Thinking that there is Q Theatre A stag party hunting trip In 1970s suburban New How to survive the more to life than working ASB Waterfront Theatre to the Tararuas for four Zealand, six-year-old 16 June – 9 July train wreck that can be in a hair salon, street- overconfident and under- Ioane Tafioka, fresh From October 7 Christmas with the family smart Rita, fizzing with Created by Australian qualified city boys becomes off the boat from the is skilfully chronicled by ambition, sets out to find theatre-makers Kate Mulvany increasingly dangerous Islands, moves in next A regular eleven-year- playwright Robert Lord in herself through higher and Anne-Louise Sarks, - and hilarious - as they door to Peter Burton. old lad, Billy discovers Joyful & Triumphant. education. he prefers a ballet class to the award- winning Medea fumble towards discovering Instantly becoming Booksmart Frank, a his regular boxing lesson. offers an astonishing what it means to be a The play spans forty years best friends, they spend failed poet with a failed While boys doing ballet retelling of Euripides’ Kiwi bloke in 2016. It's an of Christmas Days in the every day together. marriage, agrees to is an issue for his macho classic, focussing on two unwise combination of lives of the small-town As the boys become tutor Rita to pay for his father and brother, Billy perspectives that weren’t boys, beer and bush. Add Bishop Family, as they teenagers they succumb drinking habit, totally eventually wins over his heard the first time around. incompetence, insecurities struggle and cavil and to their stereotypical unaware his world is about family and the entire This is a joyful and achingly and illegal substances and cuddle. Beginning early paths, drifting apart, to be turned upside down. community thanks to the tender observation of everything that can go wrong morning Christmas Day until a chance reunion help of his beloved dance childhood, and a reminder does go wrong. The hangover 1949, it moves logically in The Court Theatre | twenty years later forces teacher and his passion for of our responsibility to from this stag weekend will time through subsequent Christchurch them to confront their dance. those most vulnerable. stay with them forever. Christmas Days of ghosts of years past. the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, to Silo Theatre | Auckland Centre Point Theatre | Fortune Theatre | Dunedin ASB Waterfront Theatre | conclude late evening Auckland Christmas Day 1989.

Circa Theatre | Wellington

26 27 PRODUCTION SUPPLIERS AUCKLAND THEATRE SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Hon Dame Judith Potter COMPANY Jonathan Bielski Maria Renhart BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fran and Geoff Ricketts BLACK PMS 382 Chair: Gordon Moller ONZM ENGINE ROOM Mark and Catherine Sandelin Karen Fistonich DIRECTING INTERNS Mike Smith and Dale d'Rose Ross Green Benjamin Henson Joanne Smout and Janmarie Thomson Isaac Hikaka Ahi Karunaharan Gilli Sutton SET BUILDERS ■ STAGING ■ BUILDING SERVICES Scott Kerse Lady Tait

matt munford Derek McCormack ATC PATRONS Julie and Russell Tills 021 554 078 www.2construct.co.nz Margaret Anderson Kit Toogood and Pip Muir 143A TARGET ROAD, WAIRAU VALLEY, NORTH SHORE CITY 0627, AUCKLAND www.lotech.co.nz POSTAL ADDRESS 71 SMALE STREET, PT CHEVALIER, AUCKLAND 1022 GENERAL MANAGER TEL 09 443 3099 EMAIL [email protected] John Barnett Simon Vannini and Anita Killeen www.2construct.co.nz Lester McGrath Betsy and Michael Benjamin Susan and Gavin Walker CREATIVE TEAM Greg Blanchard and Carol Weaver Sir James Wallace Artistic Director: Colin McColl Michelle Boag Ian Webster and Jianni Felpas

SET BUILDERS ■ STAGING ■ BUILDING SERVICES Associate Director: Lynne Cardy Adrian Burr and Peter Tatham Annemarie Yannaghas Acting Literary Manager: Johanna Smith John and Stephanie Clark chook birch 021 776 105 Youth Arts Co-ordinator: Whetu Silver Paul and Barbie Cook ATC 2016 SUPPORTING ACTS 143A TARGET ROAD, WAIRAU VALLEY, NORTH SHORE CITY 0627, AUCKLAND Participation Co-ordinator: Nicholas Cory - nib New Zealand POSTAL ADDRESS 71 SMALE STREET, PT CHEVALIER, AUCKLAND 1022 OUR STANDING OVATION TEL www.xytech.co.nz09 443 3099 EMAIL [email protected] www.bouncenz.com Tanya Muagututi’a www.2construct.co.nz Trevor and Jan Farmer SUPPORTERS PRODUCTION TEAM Sarah Fay Fay Pankhurst Director Production and Premises: Stephen and Virginia Fisher Scott and Andrew Malmo Cameron Fleming OUR CURTAIN CALL SUPPORTERS Production Manager: Robert Hunte Michael Friedlander Brian and Pam Stevenson Company Manager: Elaine Walsh Dame Jenny Gibbs Michael and Stephanie Gowan OUR TAKE A BOW SUPPORTERS MARKETING, Ross and Josephine Green Jocelyn Lowe COMMUNICATIONS & BEAUTY AND PRODUCT SPONSORS Stuart Grieve and Antonia Fisher Bob and Freda Narev SALES TEAM Sue Haigh Elizabeth Pendergrast Director of Marketing, Communications Rod and Penelope Hansen Anne Hargreaves and Innovation: Michael Adams Allyson and Paul Harvey Rosemary Langham Marketing Campaigns Manager: Anne and Peter Hinton Joanne Smout Natasha Gordon Publicist: Siobhan Waterhouse Michael and Dame Rosie Horton Shane Compton Graphic Designer: Wanda Tambrin Rod and Julie Inglis Ted and Wendy Van Arkel OFFICIAL MAKE-UP SPONSOR Ticketing & Sales Manager: Jesse Hilford Peter and Sally Jackson Sandra Greenfield Robert Johnston and Stella McDonald Trish Gribben M.A.C. Cosmetics offer a large selection of makeup, skin care products and nail care items. Ticketing & Sales Representative: Visit Smith & Caughey’s, St Lukes, Britomart or Botany Downs. Nicola Brown Len and Heather Jury Box Office Venue Staff: Jan and Brian Keene CONTACT ATC Anna Langford, Jade McCann, Ross and Paulette Laidlaw 487 Dominion Road, Mt Eden Rebekah McKenna Philippa Smith-Lambert and Chris Lambert PO Box 96002 Marketing Interns: Olivia Brandt, Lucy Woods Sara Lunam and Peter Williams Balmoral, Auckland 1342 Dayle and Chris Mace P: 09 309 0390 DEVELOPMENT TEAM Andrew Mackintosh and Hilary Liddell F: 09 309 0391 Development Manager: Linden Tierney Peter Macky and Yuri Opeshko [email protected] Development Executive: Alex Little atc.co.nz Sales & Development Co-ordinator: Jackie and Phillip Mills Rosalind Hemmings Michael Moore and Andrew Gelonese CONTACT BOX OFFICE ADMINISTRATION TEAM Christine and Derek Nolan Denver and Prue Olde P: 09 309 3395 Company Administrator: Jan Pitout Heather Pascual [email protected] Finance Manager: Kerry Tomlin 28 29 The Giltrap Audi Season of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee adapted by Christopher Sergel

Produced by special arrangement with 06 – 22 MAY DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois THE CIVIC BOOK 0800 111 999 atc.co.nz