Circa Theatre

Community Organisation

Circa Theatre
1 Taranaki Street
Te Aro
Wellington 6011
1 day ago

'Hope' at Circa Theatre

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

The most powerful medicine of all

Written by Jenny Pattrick, one of Aotearoa’s most loved writers (The Denniston Rose) and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Prima Facie), HOPE is a family drama that rises hot from within.

Hope is a poignant exploration of a near future where, in order to … View more
The most powerful medicine of all

Written by Jenny Pattrick, one of Aotearoa’s most loved writers (The Denniston Rose) and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Prima Facie), HOPE is a family drama that rises hot from within.

Hope is a poignant exploration of a near future where, in order to reduce spending, a controversial government bill bars people with terminal illnesses from receiving anything but pain management in their final year of life. Piano teacher Irina, a Ukrainian refugee, is cared for at home by her son Daniel with a dubious mix of natural and illegal remedies. But when Irina’s feisty daughter returns from the war and a famous former pupil turns up on their doorstep, hope and delusion blur together making us question the morality of fighting for your life and your loved ones.
Can human connection, music and laughter give us the hope, which might just be the most powerful medicine of all.
From the creatives behind the smash hit Circa season of Prima Facie. Original piano compositions by 2023 Douglas Lilburn Composer in Residence, Briar Prastiti, recorded by renowned pianist, Michael Houstoun. The characters will be brought to life by a cast of stellar New Zealand performers: Perry Piercy, Mel Dodge (Prima Facie), Jack Buchanan and Tāmata Porter.

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9 days ago

Sleeping Beauty - The Pantomime

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

A family comedy where a stitch in time saves nine thousand years.
Aurora is the people’s princess of Wellingtonia – with a curse.

On her first birthday an evil spell is cast: One day she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel, sending her into an unbreakable deep sleep. With the help of … View more
A family comedy where a stitch in time saves nine thousand years.
Aurora is the people’s princess of Wellingtonia – with a curse.

On her first birthday an evil spell is cast: One day she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel, sending her into an unbreakable deep sleep. With the help of fairy god-daddies that watch over her and a surprise visit from two interdimensional travellers, Aurora must venture through the time-space continuum to stay conscious and reclaim her throne from evil forces. An original pantomime that takes a beloved fairytale and adds equal amounts of song, dance, and sci-fi to bubble up a perfect potion the whole whānau will love. A high-energy romp of comedy and capers – Sleeping Beauty is anything but a snoozefest. Celebrating 20 years of Circa Theatre pantomimes.

REVIEWS:
“fabulous, funny, and flirty” – Regional News
“a fast-paced show driven by some serious star power.” – The Post
“it is clear the entire cast is superb” – Theatreview

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27 days ago

The Tempestuous

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

A Shrew’d New Comedy by Will Shakespeare and Penny Ashton

Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead.

Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.

Award … View more
A Shrew’d New Comedy by Will Shakespeare and Penny Ashton

Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead.

Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.

Award Winning Comedian Penny Ashton (writer and director of Circa’s smash hit Sense and Sensibility, Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presents her latest literary solo musical with this Shakespearean frolic. She’ll spark 13 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s puzzles.

“..a well-crafted and deftly performed production of a witty and intelligent show. I very much appreciate the skillful use of Shakespearean material throughout.” Theatreview

“… a funny and clever romp…an excellently written script that Shakespeare himself would be proud of.” Theatrescenes

6 Nov -1 Dec
Circa Two
Tues – Sat 7.30pm, Sun 4.30pm
$30 Sunday Special – Sunday 10 November
$15 – $65 Choose Your Price Night – Tuesday 12 November


Duration: 90 minutes, no interval
PG 14
Audience care: Flashing lights, mild coarse language, mild innuendo and witches, audience participation.

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77 days ago

And the Lochburns - on at Circa Theatre 4 Oct - 2 Nov

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

‘A perfectly pitched family drama’
Gus Lochburn is a celebrated pianist. But this weekend he is being moved into a care home.

His three grown children have the weekend to pack up his life, their childhood, and the memories of their mother into neat boxes. It’s been five minutes – they … View more
‘A perfectly pitched family drama’
Gus Lochburn is a celebrated pianist. But this weekend he is being moved into a care home.

His three grown children have the weekend to pack up his life, their childhood, and the memories of their mother into neat boxes. It’s been five minutes – they are already at each other’s throats.

Between fights and fugues comes magic, memory, and music.

Starring a celebrated cast of actor-musicians, performing soaring symphonies and jazz standards. and the Lochburns is brought to life by an exceptional band of award-winning theatremakers, including married duo Andrew Paterson and William Duignan, and designer Meg Rollandi (NZ National Curator, Prague Quadrennial 2023).

Regress back to childhood squabbles, pubescent spats, and fights over pizza slices, in one nostalgic night of loss and laughter.

This touching new play is a world premiere not soon forgotten.

84 days ago

Prima Facie - returns to Circa Theatre

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

By Suzie Miller

Back after its sell-out season in 2023!

This vital, witty, gripping, multi-award-winning solo-show is touring New Zealand and is back at Circa Theatre for a limited time.

Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer at the top of her game and loving it: defending, cross-examining, … View more
By Suzie Miller

Back after its sell-out season in 2023!

This vital, witty, gripping, multi-award-winning solo-show is touring New Zealand and is back at Circa Theatre for a limited time.

Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer at the top of her game and loving it: defending, cross-examining, and playing the rules of the law to win. But when the tables turn she finds herself at the mercy of the very system that she has dedicated her life to. Shadows of doubt are illuminated, making us question, who is our legal system serving?

This phenomenal production starring Mel Dodge and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford continues an urgent conversation for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviews
“This play is the reason you go to the theatre.” Courier Mail
“An urgent and compelling work…run, don’t walk.” ★★★★★ Time Out

11 – 28 September
Tues – Thurs 6.30pm, Fri – Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm
Specials:
$35 Sunday Special, Sunday 15 September
$15 – $65 Choose Your Price Night, Tuesday 17 September
Q&A Nights: 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 September



Duration of show: 100 minutes, no interval
Audience Care: This show includes themes of sexual assault. Recommended for audiences 12+

Prima Facie was first produced by Griffin Theatre Company in May 2019 at the SBW Stables Theatre.

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