2012 Season of Plays

Welcome to Howick Little Theatre's 2012 Season.

The Priory

A comedy by Michael Wynne

Directed by Adey Ramsel

“The Big Chill meets Agatha Christie.” –- Guardian.

Kate is delighted when she finds a perfect country retreat for her New Year’s Eve celebrations, and she invites her closest friends to join her. But she finds these successful professionals in search of a good time in the sticks can make for a less-than-ideal party … and some surprising resolutions! This play, winner of the 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, takes a microscope to modern dilemmas about life, love and retro board games. The New Zealand premiere. Contains adult language and themes.  

By arrangement with Play Bureau NZ.

Season: March 3 to 24, 8pm. Matinees: March 4 & 11, 6pm

As You Like It

A comedy by William Shakespeare

Directed by Judy Rankin

“A constant feeling of wit, mischief and sexual attraction.” – Telegraph. Exiled from home and forced to wander the forest with a clown … what’s a girl to do? How about fool everyone by dressing like a guy. Setting his play against a backdrop of sibling rivalry and political intrigue, the Bard draws on his signature themes of disguise, misplaced affections and pastoral passion to create this enchanting tale in which Rosalind and a merry band of wanderers find adventure and love in the Forest of Arden. As You Like It is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.

Season: May 12 to June 2, 8pm. Matinees: May 13 & 20, 6pm

Entertaining Angels

A comedy by Richard Everett

Directed by Peter Meikle

“Funny, touching and genuinely thought-provoking comedy.” –- Daily Telegraph

As a clergy wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour. But now, newly widowed, she is enjoying the new-found freedom to say and do exactly what she likes. However, a visit from her eccentric missionary sister and some extraordinary revelations bring Grace back to her earthly senses. With its sharp-edged comedy and probing wit, this acclaimed play has been described as “a surefire hit”. “The laughter constantly bubbles to the surface.” –- British Theatre Guide.  

The New Zealand premiere. By arrangement with Play Bureau NZ.

Season: July 14 to August 4, 8pm. Matinees: July 15 & 22, 6pm

Peninsula

A drama by Gary Henderson

Directed by Terry Hooper

“Peninsula makes the ordinary universal, timeless and extraordinary.” –- NBR.

Michael Hope is 10 and sleeps on a volcano. It is the 1960s, and he lives at the edge of the ancient flooded crater now known as Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. Inspired by a new year and a new teacher, Michael sets out to map his home ground, charting his history in the sheltering hills and bush. But not all volcanoes are extinct. Rumblings in the adult world encroach into Michael’s life, throwing his universe into chaos. A feast for the imagination, Peninsula fuses light, sound, space and language into story magic.

The Auckland premiere. By arrangement with Playmarket.

Season: September 8 to 29, 8pm. Matinees: September 9 & 16, 6pm

Ladies For Hire

A comedy by Alison Quigan

Directed by Rae McGregor

“Laced with quick, earthy and ironic wit.” –- Manawatu Standard.

Christenings, weddings, funerals – these women have sung at them all. But when a young parish priest arrives who’s determined to impress the Bishop, the first thing he does is sack the choir, striking more than a few sour notes. It’s drama on the high Cs! The choir try to stay together, booking themselves out as entertainment for stag parties and gorilla-grams, but it doesn’t make for harmonious relationships. Can they get back in tune in time for the festive season?  

The Auckland premiere. By arrangement with Playmarket.

Season: Nov 10 to Dec 1, 8pm. Matinees: Nov 11 & 18, 6pm

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