circa

acirca
2010
circa
2010
th eatre
 theatre experience.
and efficient.

What a wonderful
The ticketing
Congratulations to you all on

welcoming
staff were

The coffee
was good.
this first rate production.

smiling,
and bar
I shall certainly be
The play was superbly delivered by the cast. recommending it.
We sat spellbound last night.
It was an exceptional

I can’t say enough good things about it!

I’ve ever had.
live theatre
experience night’s entertainment.
The set was
The best

evocative and The entire cast seemed

and hugely relevant production.

Congratulations on a brilliant
the acting
wonderfully
to be totally absorbed
strong. into their respective
It was a great night out and my first time at Circa. characters.
… the drama tightened steadily …wanted to bring you back
like a noose until the tragedy for three more curtain calls.
was utterly compelling.
I was mightily impressed –
…thought it was fantastic! well done to all involved.

I was so impressed and all

the staff were so friendly! Another Circa triumph.
I was instantly transported into his world.
We were overwhelmed by the …the music, the terrifying
I found this an
extremely thought
provoking and
imaginative play.

brilliance, depth and distinction sound, the light and dust

filtering through the shack, the
of this production. muted colours and the truly
www.circa.co.nz wonderful acting…

COVER PHOTO: RAY HENWOOD. PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPHEN A’COURT

circa theatre
Welcome to our 34th
Circa season of plays
2010
“The audience play a part as important as anyone else
involved in the production – they complete the triangle as
it were. To meet them head-on in that magic space between
the stage and their seats is a beautiful contest.

…it is still most often in a theatrical space where I am

flooded with the beauty of language and ideas. It is here
where I am most often challenged as an audience member
and as a person”.

Neil LaBute
circa 2010 calendar
2 – 16 January Roger Hall’s Dick Whittington and His Cat – The Pantomime
Circa one Directed by Susan Wilson
page 6 Songs by Paul Jenden and Michael Nicholas Williams

21 JANUARY – 13 FEBRUARY THE 39 STEPS

Circa one By John Buchan Adapted by Patrick Barlow From an original concept
page 8 by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon Directed by Peter Hambleton

23 January – 20 february
Circa two NINETY
By Joanna Murray-Smith Directed by Susan Wilson
page 10
27 february – 3 April MARY STUART
Circa one By Friedrich Schiller in a new version by David Harrower
page 12 Directed by Ross Jolly

2 – 6 march THE IMPROVISORS: GARRY TROTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S

Circa two WHATCHAMACALLIT
page 16 Fringe Festival 2010

7 – 21 march
Circa one the letter writer
Written and Directed by Juliet O’Brien
page 14
10 april – 8 may
Circa one DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE
By Sarah Ruhl Directed by Susan Wilson
page 18
Sundays, 25 April – 27 June
Circa TWO THE IMPROVISORS: THEATRESPORTS
NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
page 16
27 APRIL – 1 MAY
Circa TWO THE IMPROVISORS: SHAKESPEARE – THE MUSICAL
NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
page 17
27 APRIL – 1 MAY
Circa TWO THE IMPROVISORS: HOLMES ALONE
NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
page 17
15 may – 19 june
Circa one the nero show
Book and Lyrics by Paul Jenden Music by Gareth Farr
page 20
 16 – 26 june
Circa two he reo aroha
By Miria George and Jamie McCaskill Directed by Hone Kouka
page 22
26 june – 24 july
Circa one MAURITIUS
by Theresa Rebeck Directed by Ross Jolly
page 24
24 july – 21 august
Circa two PARLOUR SONG
By Jez Butterworth Directed by Susan Wilson
page 26
31 july –28 August THE GREAT GATSBY
Circa one By F. Scott Fitzgerald Adapted for the stage by Ken Duncum
page 28 Directed by David O’Donnell

28 august – 25 september shipwrecked! an entertainment – the amazing adventures

Circa two of louis de rougement (as told by himself)
page 30 Written by Donald Margulies Directed by Peter Hambelton

4 september –2 october MY FIRST TIME

Circa one Written by Ken Davenport and REAL PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU
page 32 Directed by Ross Jolly

9 october – 6 november
Circa one the birthday boy
By Carl Nixon Directed by Jane Waddell
page 34
6 november – 4 december
Circa TWO me and robert mckee
By Greg McGee Directed by Conrad Newport
page 36
13 november – 23 december Roger Hall’s ROBIN HOOD – The Pantomime
Circa one Directed by Susan Wilson
page 38 Songs by Paul Jenden and Michael Nicholas Williams

BOOKINGS 04 801 7992

WWW.CIRCA.CO.NZ
circa circa
one two
larger than life
Just as a script doesn’t exist without actors
and designers to bring it to life, a performance
doesn’t exist without an audience – when
these elements are united a unique alchemy
occurs, forging an experience that is Larger
than Life.
The scale of our Circa One stage allows for
the epic, the spectacular, the dramatic and
the hilarious. For over thirty years we have
been committed to empowering our leading
directors, actors and designers to produce
New Zealand and International work on their
own terms to a world class level.
Our 2010 Circa One season is no exception. It is
bursting with characters and stories that will
delight, transform, challenge and inspire you.
Join us in Circa One and be the final and most
important ingredient in our season… with your
help we will all become Larger than Life.
up close and personal
Circa Two provides audiences with a more
intimate experience. We have held true to the
theatrical values that are at the heart of Circa
One’s philosophy but put them through a
different lens.
Thrilling moments in the theatre create an
instant connection between all who are present,
audience and actors alike.
The smaller capacity and intimate nature of the
Circa Two space allows audiences to see the
‘whites of the actors’ eyes’ – to observe actors at
their most creative.
The main feature of our 2010 programme is
its vitality; we have actively sought out plays
and partnerships that demand a high level of
theatrical magic, subtlety and discipline from our
practitioners.
Circa Two invites you to get Up Close and
Personal with our Circa Two plays and players.
Join us – become part of the experience.
Corporate
Sponsors
Sharing Our
founding sponsor

Love of Theatre Theatre is where the best ideas get

tested – Chapman Tripp is proud to
sponsor TACT for the 23rd year

Great live theatre is a transforming experience. major sponsors

It entertains us, makes us laugh and cry and
challenges us to examine our culture and the
human condition.
Deloitte – Global player on the world stage
By investing in theatre artists through TACT, – proud to support local theatre and actors
our sponsors not only assist talented creative
New Zealanders to produce high quality theatre
experiences, they also show great dedication to
theatre and innovation in choosing to spend their Fujitsu – A proud arts partner and supporter
corporate funds in this way. of Circa, bringing theatre to life

Their extraordinary generosity, particularly in these

tough economic times, has been invaluable to investment partner
our actors, directors, designers, technicians, stage
managers and publicists.
Thank you to all our TACT sponsors for helping us
Creative New Zealand, the national arts
create another wonderful year at Circa.
development agency – proudly promoting
and supporting excellence in the arts for the
benefit of all New Zealanders
circa one nz premiere
larger than life
2 – 16 january

roger hall’s
dick whittington
& his cat
songs by paul jenden & michael nicholas williams
directed by susan wilson

Look out behind you! Your last chance to see this fabulous panto! So get into the spirit
and join the fun as the team that brought you Cinderella, Aladdin,
Jack & the Beanstalk and Red Riding Hood returns with one of the
great traditional pantomime stories.
In a bygone era, long ago, brave young Dick (with his cat!) travels to
Wellington, seeking fame and fortune. What adventures await him!
He meets the mayor, falls in love, stows away, is shipwrecked on a
tropical island and is forced to fight the evil King Rat. And no matter
where he travels, Dick cannot shake off his mother – a “poor lonely
widow woman”. Ohhhhhhhhh!
Another delightful treat for young and old with lots of hilarious
topical jokes, comic antics, bright lively music, amazing costumes
and that all-important panto ingredient – audience participation!

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

6 circa programme 2010

“ Invention and
lunacy. a fun
night out
”
– the dominion post
circa one encore season
Winner Winner
larger than life Best New Comedy Best New Comedy
WHATSONSTAGE LAURENCE OLIVIER
21 january – 13 february AWARDS 2007 AWARDS 2007

THE DOMINION POST SEASON

by arrangement with edward snape

for fiery angel limited

the 39 steps
john buchan and alfred hitchcock’s

adapted by patrick barlow

from an original concept by simon corble and nobby dimon
directed by peter hambleton

“3 rounds of applause, within 5 minutes of the show starting…

superb comic timing and incredible energy… a must-see
production.” – The Dominion Post
“A sell-out… drawing audiences of all ages… Laughter really is

“
the best medicine… book yourself in quick smart.” – Hutt News
we laughed “Prime entertainment… madcap action… make sure you see

ourselves The 39 Steps at Circa.” – Theatreview

”
Four fabulous actors play 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced
to tears! fun and hilarious action, in a classic adventure story about a
man on the run.
Featuring Circa stalwarts Tim Spite and Julian Wilson, and the
effervescent Serena Cotton, our ENCORE! Season is your very
last chance to see this brilliantly funny show .
Don’t risk disappointment – bookings are open NOW.

PROUD SPONSOR

8 circa programme 2010

 We’re Back by
popular demand!
circa two nz premiere
up close and personal
23 january – 20 february

ninety
by joanna murray-smith directed by susan wilson
Starring Michele Amas and Andrew Foster

Isabel just wants William and Isabel were once married, but something happened.
Something broke deep down in the mechanism of their lives
ninety minutes. together and, seeing no way to repair it, they threw it away.
But perhaps they were too hasty.
Soon William will be married again, so ninety is all Isabel has to
make her case. Ninety to remember what they had. Ninety to regain
what was lost. Just ninety to rediscover love or call it a day, forever.
A funny, sharp and touching new play from the author of
Bombshells, Honour and Female of the Species.
“Joanna Murray-Smith has a gift for comedy and a flair for intimate
drama that gets under the skin.” – The Age

“ Witty. Wise. Perceptive.

Heartbreaking…
a genuinely moving
piece of theatre
– Australian Stage ”
10 circa programme 2010
circa one
larger than life
27 february – 3 april
For a queen to live,
MARY
By friedrich schiller in a new version by david harrower
a queen must die.
12 circa programme 2010
nz premiere
directed by Ross Jolly
Seduction, greed and deception lie at the heart of this thrilling
account of the extraordinary relationship between Mary Queen
of Scots and her cousin, Elizabeth I of England.
These are dangerous times – and they are undeniably dangerous
women. Mary, implicated in her husband’s murder, turns to
Elizabeth for help, but finds her cousin distrustful of her motives.
Manipulated by their duplicitous male courtiers, the women
collide headlong in a bloody feud that will threaten the very
crown of England.
If Mary lives she is a threat to the throne; if she dies, Elizabeth
must live with blood on her conscience.
Brilliant Scottish playwright, David Harrower’s (Blackbird)
gripping modern version of Schiller’s masterpiece stars eleven
top actors in a scintillating account of two iconic women whose
lust for power sparked one of the most exhilarating displays of
passion and politics the world has ever seen.
“Terrific theatre. Terrific Schiller.” – The Times
Proudly supported by
PETER AND MARY BIGGS
stuart

“ Laced with an
eroticism that
pours down the
corridors of
power
”
– The Herald
circa one
larger than life
7 – 21 march

Sunday 7 March 8pm

Monday 8 March 8pm
Thursday 11 March 5pm

“
Friday 12 March 5pm
Saturday 13 March 1pm and 5pm
Sunday 14 March 8pm A beautiful play
which deeply touches
Monday 15 March 8pm
Thursday 18 March 5pm

”
Friday 19 March 5pm
Saturday 20 March 1pm and 5pm
Sunday 21 March 1pm and 8pm
our hearts
Tickets: $45 (or $40 for Friends).
Bookings with Ticketek.
– pariscope

A young exile requires the services of a professional ‘Letter Writer’

A story of absolute
power, of those who
possess words over
those who have none.
to write love letters to the wife he has left behind and to assist him
in his application for political asylum. Fascinated by the energy
and idealism of the young exile, the Letter Writer finds both a new
lease of life and the son he never had. But the arrival of a letter will
shatter everything.
The Letter Writer is both a suspense story and a transcendent love
story which affirms the power of the human spirit. It blends themes
of exile with ideas about command over language and the power
that results from it, and investigates the altruistic lie: that which is
told to avoid the harm of reality.
Juliet O’Brien has been working as a director in France for the last
ten years. Following the play’s success in France, she returns to
New Zealand for the New Zealand Festival with a production which

the letter
combines French and New Zealand artists.

written and directed by juliet o’Brien

14 circa programme 2010

writer
 circa two
up close and personal

THE IMPROVISORS
20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON
Since The Improvisors performed their first ever show, “Suspect,” at Circa
Theatre in 1990 we’ve had a special relationship with the place. It’s been
our home away from home. We’ve done more than 40 shows here since
we began. Everything from musicals to multimedia, Shakespeare to Soap
Opera and, of course, Theatresports. So it’s with great pleasure that we’ve
got a brand new season of improvised comedy to share with you. Enjoy!

2 – 6 march

GARRY TROTTER & THE

PHILOSOPHER’S WHATCHAMACALLIT
Part of Fringe Festival 2010
What the Harry Potter books don’t tell you but The Improvisors
will is that New Zealand has its very own school for wizardry. But
like everything else in this country it doesn’t get the good press it
deserves. That’s about to change.
Join Garry Trotter and his chums from Sheepforts School of
Wizardry and Agriculture to solve magical mysteries , meet magical
mythical beasts and bring the cows in for evening milking. You’d be
a Muggle to miss out!

Sundays 25 April – 27 June

theatresports
Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
When Theatresports met The Improvisors a great relationship
began that has had audiences rolling in the aisles for 20 years.
This year it’s back again and you get the chance to see why
this has been Wellington’s longest lasting comedy show.
Great performers from the past, present and future of The
Improvisors battle each other to make you laugh in a show
that’s been different every night for 20 years – don’t miss it!

16 circa programme 2010

 27 April – 1 maY

HOLMES ALONE
Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
When The Improvisors began, Greg Ellis was a young man
scared scriptless on the stage. Twenty years on nothing has
changed – he’s older and even slightly greyer but still scared
out of his mind as he takes on a one-man improvised comedy
show. To make it just that little bit harder he’ll be stepping
into the shoes of the greatest detective of all time, Sherlock
Holmes, to solve a completely improvised mystery in under
an hour – all by himself.

27 April – 1 may

SHAKESPEARE - THE MUSICAL

Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2010
In their 20 year history at Circa Theatre, The Improvisors have
had 2 favourite shows – “Show Us Your Willy”, an improvised
Shakespearean play and “Improv – The Musical”, a totally
improvised musical. So to celebrate their 20th anniversary
we’re combining the two shows to give you “Shakespeare – The
Musical” – the improvised musical Shakespeare would have
written. Catch the show that warms your winter of discontent
and could make any wife of Windsor merry.

school holidays
2 – 18 april
3 – 18 july
25 september – 10 october

IMPROVISED COMEDY FOR KIDS

During the school holidays in 2010 look out for The Improvisors
shows especially for kids. The masters of interactive theatre turn
their hands to entertaining the kids in a series of shows that
promise to be full of audience participation, great fun and big
laughs. Who said adults get to have all the fun?! Not us.
circa one nz premiere
larger than life
10 April – 8 may

Dead man’s
cell phone A long distance
by sarah ruhl directed by susan wilson

Jean is sleepwalking through her life until she answers a dead man’s
cell phone. It turns out to be a wake-up call that sends her on a date
journey into the with the dead man’s brother, a drinking binge with his wife, and a
mysterious rendez-vous with his mistress. Not to mention trips to the
mysteries of life. afterlife and the black market. In this quirky modern adventure, Jean
re-connects to her own spirit and learns that life is for the living.
A captivating new comedy from the award-winning Sarah Ruhl
(The Clean House), Dead Man’s Cell Phone traces one woman’s
accidental quest to make a few people feel just a little bit better about
themselves.
“Watching a Ruhl play … is like being whisked into a smartly observed
fun house. Give yourself over to it, and it’s a helluva ride” – The Herald

“ Riotously funny
–The Miami Herald ”
18 circa programme 2010
circa one nz premiere
larger than life
15 may – 19 june

THE DOMINION POST SEASON

the nero
Book and Lyrics by paul jenden music by gareth farr

Lights, action, ego... It is 1963, and a live TV show is about to be broadcast from Nero’s
mansion, hosted by Seneca, the well known philosopher and TV
personality. Rome’s most infamous Emperor has been dropped
squarely into the life and times of the glamorous 1960s and the
story of his rise and fall begins to look all too familiar...
Paul Jenden and Gareth Farr combine Roman excess with ’60s
cool in their totally modern take on this ageless story of preening
politicians, upstaging wives, inconvenient mistresses and explosive
enemies.
Cue drum rolls and sweeping harp! This wickedly extravagant
entertainment from the creators of Troy, Monarchy and Rome has
to be seen to be believed.

“ So full of musical and linguistic

invention... it’s almost impossible
to keep up with the jokes...
– NZ Listener, rome – the musical ”
PROUD SPONSOR BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

20 circa programme 2010

show
show
circa two
up close and personal

he reo
16 – 26 june

Direct from the

NZ International
aroha
by Miria George and Jamie McCaskill directed by hone kouka

Written by Miria George and Jamie McCaskill, He Reo Aroha weaves

the beauty of original waiata with a compelling story of love and
music. Childhood sweethearts Kaia and Pascoe were always worlds
apart. Kaia had trained to sing, grooming her voice for greatness.
Arts Festival. Working the fishing boats with his father, a song was never far from
Pascoe’s lips.
In the heart of Ti Kapa, one warm summer’s night, their voices
entwine sealing a love that will last a lifetime. Choosing music
over love, Kaia leaves for New York in search of a career that offers
privilege and prestige. Broken-hearted, Pascoe is left behind in
Ti Kapa to follow in his father’s footsteps.
When life doesn’t bring Kaia and Pascoe all they hoped for,
they soon discover it is music that will get them through and
love that will bring them back together. Directed by Hone Kouka
and featuring original music by the acclaimed composer
Hone Hurihanganui, Kali Kopae and Jamie McCaskill.
Performed by Kali Kopae and Jamie McCaskill, He Reo Aroha has
travelled to Australia, Hawai’i and Canada.

22 circa programme 2010

“ Tender and sweet like the
young love it represents…
the journey was a pleasure
– The West Australian ”
circa one nz premiere
larger than life
26 june – 24 july

“ Wildly funny
– variety ”
Stamps. A gripping blend of sharp comedy and heart-pounding drama
Mauritius crackles with constant surprise.
Suspense. The stakes are high when half-sisters inherit a book of rare stamps
Skulduggery. that may include the ‘crown jewel’ of stamp collecting – the Post
Office Mauritius. But the battle for possession takes a dangerous
turn when three rival collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to
go to any lengths to stake their claim on the find.
With a high-suspense con game of cross and double-cross,
Mauritus gives a thrilling new perspective on the seemingly
benign sport of stamp collecting!
“A real treasure … has ‘winner’ stamped all over it” – Houston
Chronicle

mauritius by theresa rebeck directed by ross jolly

PROUD SPONSOR
CHRIS FINLAYSON
24 circa programme 2010
circa two nz premiere
up close and personal
24 july – 21 august

parlour by Jez Butterworth directed by susan wilson

Lust and longing in Demolition expert Ned lives in a nice new house on a nice
new estate on the edge of the English countryside. He loves
leafy suburbia. his job, barbecues, car boot sales. Outwardly his life is entirely
unremarkable. Not unlike his friend and neighbour Dale.
So why has he not slept a wink in six months? Why is he so terrified
of his attractive wife Joy? And why is it every time he leaves on
business, something else goes missing from his home?
Parlour Song, with its bluesy roots, is a hilarious exploration of
deceit, paranoia and murderous desire. A superb new play from the
award-winning author of Mojo, The Night Heron and The Winterling.
“bbbb The sharpest, funniest piece [Jez Butterworth] has
written since his precocious debut… I haven’t laughed as much
in ages” – The Times

“ bbbbBlissfully funny new play…

combines the comic, the erotic
and the downright disconcerting
with superb panache
– Daily Telegraph ”
26 circa programme 2010
song
 “ Ken Duncum’s
circa one
larger than life
31 july – 28 august adaptation is inspired
…captures perfectly
the tragic human story
inside a decadent
society
– The Press, Christchurch ”

the great by F. Scott Fitzgerald adapted for the stage by Ken Duncum
Directed by David O’Donnell

You can’t The passion and scandal of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic

novel is brought to the stage in a thrilling new adaptation
live forever… by Ken Duncum, winner of the 2010 New Zealand Post
Mansfield Prize. Over a shimmering summer on Long
Island, Nick Carraway enters a restless world of feverish
excitement and elegant romance populated by the bright
young poisonous things of the Jazz Age. Entangled in
the fatal attraction of beautiful Daisy Buchanan and the
mysterious Jay Gatsby, Nick finds himself drawn further
and further into the dazzling decadence of the Roaring
Twenties, until his final devastating discovery explodes the
glamorous façade of the American Dream.
The GREAT GATSBY was originally commissioned by The Court Theatre, Christchurch,
New Zealand.

KINDLY SPONSORED BY BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

28 circa programme 2010

gatsby
circa two nz premiere
up close and personal
28 august – 25 september

“ Mind-boggling!
– CurtainUP ”

SHIPWRECKED! an entertainment
written by DONALD MARGULIES
directed by peter hambleton

Are you ready to A Pulitzer Prize winner for Dinner With Friends, masterful
American playwright Donald Margulies transforms the true
be astonished? story of a rogue Victorian Fabulist into an outrageously
entertaining theatrical treat.
A man survives a catastrophic storm in the Coral Sea, is
marooned on a desert island, marries a native princess,
discovers a treasure trove of pearls, re-appears 30 years later,
sells his fantastic tale to Wide World magazine, and becomes
rich and famous as Victorian England swallows his story hook,
line and sinker .
Director of 2009’s stand-out comedy hit The 39 Steps, Peter
Hambleton brings you even more hilarious fun in this
sensational evening of 100% Pure Whimsy.

SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT.
The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougement.
(As Told By Himself.)
TRUTH and LIES
and how we love to blur the line between them.

30 circa programme 2010

 Win a b Become
Desert Amazing a
Island! Adventures Celebrity!
j
Laugh, Marry
Cry and
Louis de the
Scream! Rougemont Princess!
(As Told By Himself)
Meet the Get Rich
Dog-Man! Quick!

Enjoy Fight
Fresh the Sea-
Scones! Monster!

“spell-binding!” “magic rea

lism!”

sh ing!” “deligh
oni tfu
“Ast l!”
 my
circa one
larger than life
4 september – 2 october

first time written by ken davenport and real people just like you
inspired by the website www.myfirsttime.com directed by ross jolly

4 actors. An international hit comedy featuring four amazing actors in hysterical

and heartbreaking stories about first sexual experiences written by real
40,000 stories. people … just like you!
One of them First Times are one of the few things that almost every single person on
this planet has in common, yet we rarely talk about them. Until now…
may be yours.
In 1998, a website was created that allowed people to anonymously
share their own true stories about their First Times. It became an instant
phenomenon as over 40,000 stories poured in from around the globe –
stories that were silly, sweet, absurd, funny, shy, sexy and everything in
between.
Now these true stories, and all of the unique characters in them, are
brought to life in My First Time.
So come with your friends, because My First Time will have you
laughing and reminiscing about your own first time … and thinking
about your next one.
My First Time … I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours.
“Provocative, amusing and moving” – New York Post

32 circa programme 2010

“ One of New York’s
best new plays …
Phenomenal
– Edge, NY ”
circa one

the
larger than life
9 october – 6 november

birthday
boy
by Carl Nixon directed by jane waddell

A resonant and What happens to long term friends when life takes them in
completely different directions?
wickedly funny When Stuart and Elizabeth meet their oldest friends, David and
Kiwi comedy. Kathy, to celebrate David’s 40th birthday, they’re not expecting the
shock announcement that changes all their lives.
Award winning writer Carl Nixon explores middle class parenthood
with exhilarating gusto, covering 25 years of family, friendship,
careers and complications in a series of male birthday occasions.
For an entertaining look at how life never turns out according to
plan, The Birthday Boy is a must-see!
“Funny and thought-provoking” – The Press

The Birthday Boy was originally commissioned by The Court Theatre,

Christchurch, with assistance from Creative New Zealand.

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

34 circa programme 2010

“ Plenty of light-hearted
pokes at political
correctness and middle
class angst
– The Listener ”
circa two world premiere
up close and personal

me and
6 november – 4 december

a new play by greg mcgee directed by conrad newport

From the writer This sophisticated black comedy takes a scalpel to

• The art and craft of writing
of Foreskin’s • Mid-life crises – marriage, mateship and mortality.
Lament. If character is destiny, was Billy doomed from the day he was born? Billy
is a middle-aged script-writer facing the certain end of his marriage and
the likely end of his career. Reliant on teaching for a living and the bottle
for oblivion, his sense of self-worth is teetering on the edge. When Mac,
his best friend and producer, offers him a screenplay to write, will the
gesture start ‘our hero’s journey from darkness to redemption’ or trigger
the final act of Billy’s tragic career?
In the assured hands of director Conrad Newport (Niu Sila, King and
Country, The Man That Lovelock Couldn’t Beat, Le Sud), Greg McGee’s
latest work is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh and
make you cry.

“ Robert McKee says that if a

gun goes off in the last act,
it has to be seeded in the
first act. So here it is
– billy ”
BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

36 circa programme 2010

robert
mckee
circa one nz premiere
larger than life
13 november – 23 december

roger hall’s
robin hood the pantomime
songs by paul jenden & michael nicholas williams
directed by susan wilson

There he is! With loaded bow behind a tree

You never know where he will be,
Oh no he isn’t. He moves like velvet, sleek and svelte
Around the Wellington town belt.
Oh yes he is!
His eye is quick, his aim is sure,
He robs the rich to feed the poor.
He’s always on the side of good,
The hero known as Robin Hood.

“ Music Laughter He lies in wait for those who own

A big estate and second home,
Jokes galore – For millionaires who don’t pay tax,  
For bankers who don’t watch their backs.
Festive fun You’ll see them suffer their defeat
for the In Circa’s brand new summer treat,

”
A pantomime for one and all,
whole family It’s Robin Hood by Roger Hall!

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH

38 circa programme 2010

BOOKINGS 04 801 7992 or
www.circa.co.nz
Or call into the theatre, 1 Taranaki Street,
Wellington’s waterfront, next to Te Papa
Postal address: PO Box 968, Wellington 6140
Credit card bookings (MasterCard or VISA)
and online bookings – no extra charge

Box Office Hours Performance Times

The Box Office is open for bookings: Circa One
Monday 10am – 4 pm Tuesday and Wednesday 6.30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – show start time Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8.00 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm Sunday 4.00 pm
Please note, that for the hour leading up to
Circa Two
the show start time, bookings will only be
Tuesday – Saturday 7.30 pm
taken for that show.
Sunday 4.30 pm

Prices Please note these are our usual

Circa One & Two
Adults $38
Students, senior citizens
and beneficiaries $30
Friends of Circa (for first two
weeks of production only) $28
Groups: 6+ $32; 100+ $29
Student/Equity stand-by $18 (one hour
before the show)
Under 25s $20
No refunds are available although tickets
may be transferred to another performance
of the same production. (Minimum 24 hours
notice. Subject to availability.)
performance times.
Times may vary – please check with
the Box Office.
Wharfside Restaurant at Circa
Opening hours
Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5.30 pm
Sunday from 1 pm
Book to avoid disappointment.
Wharfside Restaurant at Circa Theatre,
1 Taranaki Street, Welington.
Reservations 04 801 7996

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of print. Circa reserves the
right to make alterations to the programme at its discretion.

40 circa programme 2010

Theatre dining
Circa’s restaurant Wharfside, offers
contemporary New Zealand cuisine
Phone us to discuss how we can
help make your theatre or hosting
in a quiet relaxed atmosphere with experience even more memorable.
superb waterfront views.
Group packages, set menu, platters
Compliment your theatre experience and corporate hosting options
by enjoying pre-show dining, a drink available (more details on Page 42). www.wharfsidenz.com
or dessert at interval, and revisit the
Reservations 04 801 7996
show with friends over a post-show
coffee and cake. Hosting enquiries to Martin Halliday
martin.halliday@clear.net.nz
Wharfside Restaurant, combined
with award winning theatre on
Wellington’s waterfront, ensures an
excellent evening out at Circa.

circa programme 2010 41

 corporate entertainment
and package deals
Circa and Wharfside are experts
at meeting your entertainment
requirements – from social club
outings to seminars, or client hosting
to rewarding staff. With set menu
options for seated groups, platter
options and cocktail parties, each
function can be tailored to suit your
requirements whether held during the
day or in the evening to include one of
our fantastic shows.
Set Menu Packages with show
$75 / $80* per person
*option includes a glass of bubbly,
house wine or beer with your meal
Premium Packages – available
tailored to suit your individual
requirements. Price on application
All packages set for a minimum of
6 people.

Let us spoil you and make your
night out at Circa extra special!
For further details, Wharfside menu
and current shows, check online at
www.circa.co.nz or call Linda Saunders
for a chat.
One call books it all!
04 801 8137
Premium Couples Night Out
Enjoy a ‘VIP’ night out at Circa Theatre –
$240 per couple including show
Package includes:
Three course meal
Bottle of premium New Zealand bubbly
Coffee and dessert at interval
Liqueur and chocolate at end of show

Check us out on www.circa.co.nz

“I fully recommend having a customer event at Circa – the staff are
friendly, helpful and very capable which makes hosting an event as
simple as possible.” Lillian Moore, Vodafone
“Circa Theatre did a fantastic job of making sure all our needs were
met for the Deloitte Circa Gala. With the support and guidance from the
team at Circa, it was a very successful event.” Louise Grant, Deloitte

42 circa programme 2010

want
to get
involved?
If you would be interested
in observing the
preparation process for
one of our productions,
where you come along
to watch a number of
rehearsals and attend the
opening night, please email
your contact details to
marketing@circa.co.nz

circa programme 2010 43

become a friend of circa yes, I would like
to become a
friend of circa
Name

Address

Phone (Home) (Work)

Email

Please find my membership of $50.00

and I would like to make a donation of $

TOTAL $

PAID BY:

CHEQUE

CREDIT CARD Visa Mastercard

Card no.

Expiry date

Signature

Mail to: Circa Friends,

PO Box 968, Wellington 6140
become a
friend of circa
We invite you to become one
of our most valued patrons.

As a lover of quality theatre, there are great

advantages in being a Friend of Circa.
Each Friend’s subscription entitles you to:
• Two tickets at our Friend’s special price for
a limited period at the beginning of each of
our Circa One productions ($28), and all Circa-
produced and most guest productions in Circa
Two (variable price but usually at the concession
price). By taking advantage of this reduction
(more than 25% saving on full ticket prices) you
have the opportunity to see more productions
within your theatre budget.
• Regular newsletters (at least 10 a year), giving
information on the latest shows, news of what
is happening in the theatre, and profiles of some
of our best-known actors, directors and other
theatre practitioners.
 circa acknowledges the generous support of

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