Theatre Visits
Peter Clemerson is arranging visits to some interesting plays this year. These are all at Circa. (Later on there may be opportunities to visit Stagecraft or Repertory). For some shows, Circa are no longer making the bulk price discount available for all ticket prices. When it is available, the ticket price will be $40. When it is not, it will be $45.
Nearer the dates Peter will be taking names at the REBUS meeting.
Modern God
Date in late May to be decided.
Six influencers collide in a high-energy dance-theatre work exploring fame, consumerism, and our digital obsessions. Footnote New Zealand Dance present the return season of the critically acclaimed MODERN GOD.
Stunts will be attempted. Records broken. Memes made. Content consumed. Advertising sold. Lives ruined. Heroes formed.
This high-powered show, straddling the realms of contemporary dance and physical theatre, delves into the intricate web of global internet culture. It’s a unique opportunity to dissect our interactions with the online world, from its absurdity and speed to its utility and potential dangers.
Julia
7.00 pm Wednesday 24th June
In 2012, Julia Gillard delivered a speech that ricocheted across Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. Now, the woman and the moment is brought to the stage in Julia. This gripping one-woman show puts us inside a very public storm, and reveals the life and career that led to it.
From idealistic young advocate to leader under relentless scrutiny, Julia takes us behind the microphone of the landmark “misogyny speech.” It steps into the personal, political and socio-cultural forces that forged it. Blending real excerpts with scenes inspired by true events, this is more than one leader’s story. It’s a sharp, human look at how we judge power, how we listen to women, and what we demand of those who lead us.
Against a backdrop of progress and pushback on gender equality, Julia takes on fresh resonance here in Aotearoa. It draws the line between conviction and compromise, private life and public duty. And it asks what it costs to stand your ground and say “not now, not ever” in a world that still questions women who lead.
Local Library by Dave Armstrong
August 9th 7.30 pm
Paul Homewood is a grumpy retired widower who enjoys walking dogs and reading the speeches of Winston Churchill. Uptight and separated Helen Nielsen prefers E Annie Proulx. When Helen, a senior librarian, catches Paul ripping off the system at her suburban library, she bans him. He can only return if he reads a book that she recommends. Could a friendship develop from this book war? And who are the shady figures threatening to disrupt Helen’s drag storytime?
Public Service Announcement
Election Meltdown
August 25th 7.00 pm
From the depths of bureaucracy, from the bowels of the Beehive, amidst the rise of a three-headed taniwha, protests and strikes… another election looms and the politicians swarm.
Coalitions crumble, loyalties burn, Winston probably survives another term somehow and the nation faces a meltdown it really didn’t vote for.
Irreverent and rowdy, PSA delivers up-to-the-minute raucous political comedy and features Pōneke’s funniest performers.
Duration: 80 mins including 15 min interval.
Judy’s Encore
Wednesday 23rd September 7.30 pm
It’s 1967, and Judy Garland is back, ready to re-write the narrative and reclaim her legacy after the heartbreak of her previous Australian tour. With her iconic voice, razor-sharp wit, and legendary resilience, Judy steps onto the stage once more, determined to captivate hearts and silence the critics.
Award-winning Ali Harper stars in the role of Judy and channels the music and charisma of the legendary Hollywood star.
Performing over 20 of Garland’s hit songs, including “Get Happy”, “The Trolley Song”, “The Man That Got Away” and the Academy Award-winning song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.
As the curtain rises, one question lingers: can Judy’s indomitable spirit carry her through to the final bow? Be there to witness the magic, the drama, and the triumph of a true star.
Uncle Varnya by Anton Chekhov
Wednesday 7th October 7.00 pm
In the heat of summer, Sonya and her Uncle Vanya while away their days on the remote family farm, only visited occasionally by the radical and inspiring local doctor.
However, when Sonya’s celebrated father, suddenly returns with his charismatic new wife, declaring his intention to sell the house – the polite façades crumble and long-repressed feelings start to emerge with devastating consequences.
Austen Found
Wednesday 23rd December 7.30 pm
Before Penny Ashton’s Sense and Sensibility and Promise and Promiscuity, there was Austen Found. Born in Wellington’s NZ Improv Festival in 2008, this best-selling completely improvised Austenian musical started it all. And in 2026 she is beyond excited to be bringing her original partner in bonnets; founder of the Improvisers, star of LOTR and M3GAN; Lori Dungey along for the carriage ride. As well as Mr Twinkle Fingers Jamie Burgess, who will be providing the improvised soundtrack to all the Regency shenanigans. And all on Jane Austen’s 251st Birthday. Hoorah!
