Something Rotten!

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STEVE WAKEFIELD

Executive Chair and Acting CEO Tēna koutou, Welcome to Something Rotten!

Welcome to the Renaissance!

Welcome to a celebration of musical theatre!

It is with great joy that we bring the Australasian premiere of this funny, exuberant musical to The Court Theatre stage. Something Rotten! is a delightful mash-up of Shakespeare and musical theatre, rich with every allusion and silly pun available. Along with textual references throughout the book (script) and lyrics, the score and dance numbers are replete with musical and visual references to delight every dedicated theatre lover.

While never taking itself too seriously, Something Rotten! boasts a superb original score and the easy, sharp wit that characterises the best of the Golden Age musicals—for 2023. Something Rotten! proves that the art of a fully conceived, written, and composed musical is not lost.

Musicals like this allow the skill and talent of Aotearoa artists to shine. We are thrilled to have the dream team from The Little Shop of Horrors— director Benjamin Kilby-Henson, musical director, Richard Marrett, choreographer, Kira Josephson, and set designer, Daniel Williams—collaborating again on Something Rotten! We are fortunate to have Tina Hutchinson-Thomas creating the many “Renaissance-but-make-it-Broadway” costumes, and Darren McKane on lighting design.

These creative minds just “get” this musical; the

ALISON WALLS Artistic Director

metatheatrical world it celebrates and creates.

They share in its sense of fun and match its deceptively easy quality with their high calibre artistry. They are supported by many dedicated and highly knowledgeable professionals. And a truly world-class cast sing and dance and speak (sometimes in iambic pentameter) the whole piece into life.

There is so much creativity and ability to be celebrated in this production. Of all the wonderful ways theatre works upon us, sometimes the most valuable is in entertainment.

So please, have fun, enjoy, and remember, “there’s nothing as amazing as a musical!”

Don’t forget to tell all your friends, family and workmates to come along and enjoy it too!

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ABOUT THE CREATOR'S

KAREY KIRKPATRICK

WAYNE KIRKPATRICK

JOHN O'FARRELL

Karey Kirkpatrick began his career as a screen and songwriter for Disney Animation where he penned The Rescuers Down Under and James and the Giant Peach. With more than a dozen feature films produced, screenplay credits include Chicken Run (Golden Globe nominee for Outstanding Comedy); Charlotte’s Web; The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; The Spiderwick Chronicles and Over the Hedge; which he also co-directed. He directed the Paramount Pictures film Imagine That starring Eddie Murphy and co-produced, wrote and performed on the film’s soundtrack. He recently directed the Warner Brothers animated musical Smallfoot for which he also co-wrote the screenplay and the songs (with brother Wayne). He has won a number of Tony, Oscar and Grammy awards and that number is zero. Other credits: husband of Nada, father of Sami, Maia and Finn.

Wayne Kirkpatrick is the Grammy Award-winning songwriter of Change the World by Eric Clapton (Song of the Year). Top 10 singles include Every Heartbeat, Good for Me (Amy Grant); Wrapped Up in You (Garth Brooks); Boondocks, Bring It On Home, Little White Church (Little Big Town); Place in This World (Michael W. Smith). He is a multi-formatted songwriter with songs recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Faith Hill, Joe Cocker, Gabe Dixon, Trisha Yearwood, Babyface and Peter Frampton, among others. His songs have been featured in TV shows (Grey’s Anatomy, True Blood, Hart of Dixie) as well as feature films (Almost Famous, Phenomenon, Smallfoot). Wayne lives in Nashville with his wife Fran and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame for 2018. Favorite productions: Kourtney, Shelby and Carson.

John O'Farrell is one of the UK's best known comic authors and script writers. Best-selling novels include The Best a Man Can Get, May Contain Nuts and The Man Who Forgot His Wife. Non-fiction includes An Utterly Impartial History of Britain , the political memoir Things Can Only Get Better and its recent sequel plus three collections of his satirical columns for The Guardian newspaper. O'Farrell's books have been translated into thirty languages and adapted for BBC Radio and television. Winner, British Comedy Award. Previously a writer (and later panelist) on BBC's Have I Got News For You and lead writer on ten series of ITV's Spitting Image. Currently writing the sequel to Chicken Run, and adapting one of his novels for Sony International Pictures.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

BENJAMIN KILBY-HENSON Director

Believe it or not, summer is here and it’s time to celebrate. And what better way to see in the festive season than with this whacky romp of a musical?

A musical that, despite its naughty humour and rib-tickling of Broadway, is surprisingly layered.

We’ve all felt the arse-numbing of a Shakespeare play (and I’ve directed Lear this year so know it well). In fact, whether young people should continue to be encouraged to revere the Bard above other works has been hotly debated in the press this year. And where else we may relate here is in the endeavour to create on a deadline! The Bottom brothers desperately searching for a big idea-one to pip their rival, in this case old Willy Shakespeareis a situation I’m sure we know. Ok, we probably weren’t from a time when we were writing our opus with quill and ink (although, looking around, some of you might), and we probably weren’t trying to beat arguably the world’s most famous writer, but to be driven by a dream of aspiration to better ourselves and our loved ones is a space we know.

And creating to a deadline is something the exceptional production teams here at The Court are fully aware of. The worlds of music; dance; set; props; lights; costume is a HUGE undertaking to bring you the very best quality of summer celebration.

All the teams have relished bringing you a vibrant reimagining of Renaissance England. Farthingales and fans; codpieces and corsets adorn our ink-scrawl inspired London as buckled boots become tap shoes and bum-rolls become raraskirts. The infatigable mahi of all departments brings you, not only the Australasian premiere, but also a Something Rotten! unlike any other and unique for Ōtautahi.

Something Rotten! is a musical for the lover of musicals. You might not know the songs yet, but you certainly will hear all your favourites in the colossal intertextual homage that is ‘A Musical!’. This song alone is a cyclorama of musical theatre, made extra special considering The Court’s long and vibrant history bringing you the best of Broadway.

This song is given extra sentimentality in the hands of Paul Barrett, playing Nostradamus, who has been in so, so many plays and musicals for The Court.

He is joined by an exceptional cast who shone through a national audition process. Brimming with local talent, the cast of over twenty triple-threat performers have been nothing but a joy to play with.

Every day of rehearsal, and now that the production is yours, every performance, proves nothing’s as amazing as a musical!

Book By Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey KirkpatricK Conceived by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

Arrangements Glen Kelly

Orchestrations Larry Hochman

Produced by Kevin McCollum Broadway Global Ventures CMC Mastro/Goodman Jerry & Ronald Frankel, Morris Berchard Kyodo Tokyo, Inc. Wendy Federman Barbara Freitag LAMS Productions Winkler/DeSimone Timothy Laczynski Dan Markley Harris/Karmazin Jam Theatricals Robert Greenblatt and Jujamcyn Theaters Developed in association with the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA, David Armstrong, Executive Producer and Artistic Director, Bernadine Griffin, Managing Director and Bill Berry, Producing Artistic Director

Director Benjamin Kilby-Henson

Musical Director Richard Marrett

Choreographer Kira Josephson

Stage Manager Louise Topping

Set Designer Dan Williams

Intimacy Direction Kira Josephson

Costume Designer & Manager Tina Hutchison-Thomas

Costume Construction Pauline Laws Tracey Hollands Louise Galloway Pam Jones Findlay Currie Carolyn Hutchison Annie Graham Zoe Miller Daniella Salazar Julian Southgate Scott Leighton Lily Thomas

Properties Manager Julian Southgate Lighting Designer Darren McKane (The Light Site) Assistant Lighting Designer Giles Tanner Sound Designer Glen Ruske (BounceNZ)

Wig Designer Zoe Buckland

Production Manager Tim Bain

Wig Stylist Patrice Hammond

Production Assistant Amanda Hare

Set Construction Nigel Kerr Seth Ellis Andrew Scott Annie Graham Nick Lowry David Bosworth

Workshop Well-Being Puppy Billie

Properties Artist Kristin (Krissy) Clark Properties Assistant Rochelle Wright Annie Graham Rosie Gilmore Michaela Bayley Lighting Operator Geoff Nunn (until 18 December) Darren McKane (from 18 December) Sound Operator Eve Curzon Rehearsal Pianist Caelan Thomas Assistant Stage Manager & Dresser Lily Bourne Assistant Stage Manager & Sound Assistant Haydon Dickie Dresser Rosie Gilmore Lighting Crew Geoff Nunn Brett Lupton Rosie Gilmore Sean Hampton Matt Short

Live Musicians Richard Marrett (Musical Director and Keyboard 1) Caelan Thomas (Assistant Musical Director, Keyboard 2 and Rehearsal Pianist) Bradley Grainger (Bass) Mike Ferrar (Guitar) Zak Williams (Drums) Studio Musicians Hannah Darroch (Flute) Georgina Rees-Stevenson (Clarinet) Gwyn Reynolds (Saxophones) Cameron Pearce (Trumpet) Scott Taitoko (Trombone) Isaac Shatford (Violin) Doug Brush (Percussion)

Acknowledgements Stuart Hendricks of Musical Theatre International Australasia, The Team at Christchurch NZ, Dan Pengelly, Tobias Grant, Showbiz Christchurch, Sara Brodie, Simon Goudie and Mark McEntyre of NASDA, Jo Fuller and the team at Adgraphix, The Light Site, Grant Robertson, David Bosworth, Mandy Perry, Viva Dance Studios, Koru Customs and Freight Limited, Erica Browne, Nathan Firmin of Patched Keyboards, Orange Studio, Kristina Saul.

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PLOT SYNOPSIS ACT 1 London, 1595. “Welcome to the Renaissance”.

William Shakespeare is the rockstar playwright of the time, while Nick and Nigel Bottom are not even close. The Bottom brothers are rehearsing their new play, Richard II, when their patron, Lord Clapham, announces that the Bard has written the very same idea. “God, I Hate Shakespeare!” Shylock tells Nick he would be interested in helping to fund the troupe, but Nick refuses. Back at home, Nick’s wife, Bea, suggests that she could get a job and support him. “Let me be your ‘Right Hand Man’”. Nick admits to himself that he would like to be like Shakespeare, if only he knew what the future held. “God, I Hate Shakespeare! (Reprise)”. Nick takes their savings to Soothsayer Alley, where Nick encounters Nostradamus and pays him to predict the next big thing in theatre.

Nostradamus foresees “A Musical!” Nigel meets Portia, and instantly falls in love.

Unfortunately, Portia’s father Brother Jeremiah is a Puritan who does not approve of either Nigel or theatre.

Nick and Nigel start work on an epic musical about a massive historical event. “The Black Death.” Lord Clapham is appalled and ends his patronage, and Brother Jeremiah reprimands the sinfulness of theatre and music, warning of his influence with the Master of Justice.

Nick runs into Bea, disguised as a man.

Portia and Nigel share their love of poetry and plays. “I Love the Way”. They are amazed to be invited to a private recitation

by William Shakespeare. “Will Power”.

At the after-party, Shakespeare tries to steal Nigel’s notebook. Nick and Shylock arrive in time to prevent the theft. Brother Jeremiah charges in and hauls off the rather tipsy Portia. Shylock remarks that it’s too bad Nick can’t see Shakespeare’s notebook. Nick returns to Nostradamus to ask what Shakespeare’s greatest play will be. Nostradamus predicts that Shakespeare’s greatest work will be called... Omelette.

Nick thinks he’s found the brilliant idea for his musical. “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top!”

WATCH OUT! SPOILERS AHEAD! SKIP THIS PAGE TO AVOID SPOILING THE SURPRISE.

ACT 2 “Welcome to the Renaissance (Reprise)”.

Shakespeare bemoans the difficulty of living up to his own fame. “Hard to Be the Bard.” His spy informs him that Nick has hired the Soothsayer to steal Shakespeare’s greatest idea.

Nick and Nigel’s troupe rehearse their new number with the Soothsayer and Shylock in attendance. “It’s Eggs!” A young actor, who might bear some resemblance to Shakespeare asks to join the troupe. Nigel tells Portia that something doesn’t feel right about this new work, and she urges him to write from the heart. “We See the Light”. Brother Jeremiah catches the two of them together and banishes his daughter to Scotland. Bereft, Nigel writes all night.

At the next rehearsal, Nigel reads his new lines, and the disguised Shakespeare knows that he has got to get this play. Nick tries to insist on the omelette theme, but Nigel is determined to stick to his own ideas. “To Thine Own Self”. Nick and Nigel fight. Bea reminds Nigel that for all of his faults, Nick would always be there for him. “Right Hand Man (Reprise).”

The troupe rehearses the musical.

“Something Rotten!”/“Make an Omelette”.

The newest recruit to the troupe pulls off his disguise and reveals himself as Shakespeare—and how Nick has taken his ideas from Nostradamus’s predictions.

In court, Nick and his collaborators face accusations from the Master of the Justice and Brother Jeremiah. A mysterious elderly lawyer shows up to defend them.

“To Thine Own Self (Reprise)”, and the brothers are reconciled.

Bea calls Shakespeare as a witness, who persuades the star-struck judge not to execute them.

Instead, they are banished to the New World and told to take their so-called “musicals” with them. Portia defies her father and runs away with them. In America, they perform their new show with a “Finale” written from the heart, like Nigel always wanted, the very first of hundreds of American musicals!

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR BENJAMIN KILBY-HENSON Benjamin is one of New Zealand’s busiest theatre directors, forging a diverse career, spanning form, scale and medium including original works, scripted premieres and opera. Prior to New Zealand, Benjamin worked for one of the UK’s largest youth arts organisations, leading participatory projects for primarily at-risk youth, including taking six productions a year to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for nine consecutive years. Ben later trained in theatre direction at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London, while continuing to direct for the London fringe and cabaret circuit. Following projects in Germany and France, Ben was director in residence at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford.

In NZ, Ben teaches in Auckland’s drama schools and is Artistic Manager of The Actors’ Program. Under theatre collective Fractious Tash, Ben has received critical acclaim for Earnest, Not Psycho and Titus, which was then remounted for a sell-out season at the

Pop-Up Globe (featuring Beyoncé covers by Aotearoa’s only steelpan band...). The company presented the NZ premiere of Lucy Prebble’s The Effect to great acclaim and were set to collaborate with The Fortune Theatre on a new adaptation of Hansel and Gretel before the theatre’s closure.

Ben’s Auckland Theatre Company credits include Red Speedo by American playwright Lucas Hnath.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, and King Lear.

The award-winning production of Last Tapes’ Valerie toured throughout NZ, following dates in Australia and Edinburgh, adding to its accolade the coveted Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 2021 saw Ben’s first production for The Court Theatre with Little Shop of Horrors.

SONG LIST ACT 2 WELCOME TO THE RENAISSANCE (REPRISE) Minstrel and Company

HARD TO BE THE BARD

Shakespeare and Company

IT’S EGGS!

Nick and The Troupe

WE SEE THE LIGHT

Portia, Nigel, Brother Jeremiah, Nick, and Company

ACT 1 WELCOME TO THE RENAISSANCE Minstrel and Company

GOD, I HATE SHAKESPEARE! Nick, Nigel, and The Troupe

RIGHT HAND MAN Bea and Nick

GOD, I HATE SHAKESPEARE! (REPRISE) Nick

A MUSICAL! Nostradamus, Nick, and Company

THE BLACK DEATH The Troupe

I LOVE THE WAY Portia and Nigel

WILL POWER Shakespeare and Company

BOTTOM’S GONNA BE ON TOP Nick and Company

TO THINE OWN SELF

Nigel, Nick, Shakespeare, and The Troupe

RIGHT HAND MAN (REPRISE) Bea

SOMETHING ROTTEN! / MAKE AN OMELETTE Nick and Company

TO THINE OWN SELF (REPRISE) Nick

FINALE

Company

ABOUT THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MARRETT Richard is well-known for his work throughout the country as a musical director, vocal coach, pianist, arranger and conductor. Previously, he worked as manager of the degree programmes offered by the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) and Ara Music Arts.

His musical direction credits for The Court Theatre include My Fair Lady; South Pacific; The Rocky Horror Show; The Sound of Music; Jerry’s Girls; Oliver!; Guys and Dolls; The Producers; La Cage Aux Folles; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!; Anything Goes; Cabaret; Side By Side By Sondheim; Grease; End of the Rainbow; Blood Brothers; Mary Poppins; Legally Blonde the Musical; Songs For Nobodies; Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Jersey Boys; Little Shop of Horrors; Rent and Next to Normal.

Further musical direction credits include Mame; The King and I; Sweet Charity; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; West End to Broadway I, II and III; Les Misérables; 42nd Street; Fiddler on the Roof; Annie; Into The Woods; Jesus Christ Superstar; Urinetown; Beauty and the Beast; The Witches of Eastwick; Cats; Curtains; Buddy; Avenue Q; Hair; Spring Awakening; The Phantom

of the Opera; Miss Saigon; Mamma Mia!; Hairspray; Ragtime; Evita; Wicked; We Will Rock You; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Matilda.

Richard’s work with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra has included seasons of Starry Nights and Classical Sparks in Hagley Park and the popular concert productions Oh, Danny Boy; Broadway Broads; Rodgers and Hammerstein; Bernstein and Sondheim; The Magical Music of Disney and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He was also responsible for the musical supervision, keyboard programming, tracks and arrangements for several New Zealand touring productions and is often found working as producer and arranger on multiple recording projects. Richard was Artistic Director of the popular choir, The Vocal Collective for the past four years.

Fresh from this year’s highlight season conducting My Fair Lady with The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Showbiz Christchurch, he will follow the hilarious Something Rotten! with the equally fabulous, Kinky Boots.

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A GLOBAL ANTHEM COULD DROP FROM YOUR BEDROOM

HELLO TOMORROW

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31/08/23 1:40 PM

ABOUT THE CHOREOGRAPHER KIRA JOSEPHSON Kira is originally from the USA, where she attended the Orange County High School of the Arts and went on to receive her B.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Stephens College. Since graduating, she worked and toured regionally around the United States before moving to New Zealand in 2015. She has had the pleasure of performing with Tony nominee Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast) and choreographing a cabaret show for Tony Award winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal).

Past choreographing credits at The Court Theatre include Little Shop of Horrors (in which she was also the Audrey Standby/Swing), and Dance Nation (in which she was also Vanessa/The Moms and the Intimacy Director). She has also choreographed Urinetown, The Wedding Singer, and The Drowsy Chaperone at NASDA.

She is primarily a tap dancer, having choreographed the tap in Jesus Christ Superstar (The Court Theatre), and teaches tap regularly throughout Ōtautahi.

Kira also serves as the Intimacy Director for this production. She has trained with Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC), Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and Intimacy Professionals Association (IPA), as well as with St. John’s, Safe Stages, Gender Minorities Aotearoa and Dare to Lead (Boma).

Her recent intimacy director credits include Dance Nation and The Sweet Science of Bruising (The Court Theatre); Curtains (MUSOC); Bright Star (St. Andrew’s College); Heathers (Luminaires) and Beauty and the Beast (GMG Productions).

Kira has received a grant from Creative New Zealand to continue her intimacy training and is looking forward to continuing this work.

CAST JONATHAN MARTIN

CAMERON DOUGLAS

NICK BOTTOM

NIGEL BOTTOM

Jonathan graduated from The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts.

Cameron is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA).

Jonathan's Court Theatre credits include: Little Shop of Horrors; In The Next Room, or the vibrator play; The Producers; Baghdad, Baby!; The History Boys; Arsenic And Old Lace; Anything Goes; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Four Flat Whites In Italy; One Man Two Guvnors; La Cage Aux Folles; Shepherd; Romeo and Juliet; The Seagull and Cabaret.

His professional theatre debut was at The Court Theatre in My Fair Lady and since then has performed in numerous productions.

Most recently Cameron appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar; A Streetcar Named Desire; Jersey Boys; Once; The Girl on the Train; Flagons and Foxtrots and RENT.

Other theatre credits include: North By Northwest; Grand Horizons (Auckland Theatre Company); Avenue Q; Winston’s Birthday; Twelfth Night; Into The Woods (Fortune Theatre, Dunedin); A Little Night Music (Canterbury Opera); The Rocky Horror Show (Hamilton Operatic); NZ tour of Jersey Boys (GNT Productions); Australian and NZ tour of Madagascar The Musical (GMG Productions).

Jonathan worked on the Pop Up Globe stage in both Auckland and Australia in various productions including Henry V; As You Like It; A Midsummer Night's Dream; The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night. Onscreen, they have featured in the Netflix film Falling Inn Love.

Jonathan Martin is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

His other theatre highlights include Red; Avenue Q (Fortune Theatre); Poor Boy; Oliver; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Auckland Theatre Company); Assassins (Silo Theatre Company) and being an original cast member of That Bloody Woman.

Cameron’s professional experience also spans television and music. He is the lead singer and acoustic guitarist of New Zealand’s premiere skiffle rock and roll band, The Goldonies. His television credits include Outrageous Fortune; Legend of the Seeker and One Night Only.

Cameron would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of his father Robert Douglas “If by chance I talk a little wild, forgive me; I had it from my father.” Henry VIII.

MATU NGAROPO SHAKESPEARE Matu recently returned to Aotearoa from touring Australia as first US President George Washington in the original Australian company of Hamilton.

Theatre credits include The Lion King (Australian Tour); The Māori Troilus & Cressida (Shakespeare’s Globe); Othello (Centrepoint); Ngā Bro e Whā (MMQ), Romeo & Juliet (Downstage); Two Worlds (Edinburgh, London, NYC); A Midsummer Night's Dream (Circa Theatre); Te Awarua (Te Rēhia); Hamlet; Macbeth; Measure for Measure and The Comedy of Errors (Pop Up Globe) and Mums Choir (Fortune Theatre).

Last year Matu was fortunate to revisit the role of Scar from The Lion King in the Reo Māori recording of the original Disney animation.

In 2021, he had the privilege of playing rangatira Tā Apirana Ngata in the feature film WHINA. Matu is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

MONIQUE CLEMENTSON

BIANCA PAINE

BEA Monique is an experienced Television and Theatre performer in NZ. She currently hosts an afternoon show called THE FEED on TVNZ2, and she recently finished a season at The Court Theatre playing Mimi Marquez in Rent. She has starred in multiple musicals across the country including Jesus Christ Super Star, Les Misérables, Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act. Her other performance credits at The Court Theatre include Jersey Boys; Legally Blonde the Musical; Wind in the Willows; The Arsonists; Time Machine; Cinderella in Space; Puff the Magic Dragon; A Paintbox of Clowns and Crash Bash.

Monique teaches Aerial fitness at Altitude pole fitness. She loves Latin dancing and she drinks a dry Riesling, should you ever be tempted to leave a bottle at reception for her.

Socials: @moniqueclementson on instagram.

PORTIA Bianca is a graduate of The Actors’ Program New Zealand (Diploma of Stage and Screen Acting).

She most recently played the role of Elinor in The Court Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility earlier this year. Some of her previous theatre credits include Chicago (The Court Theatre); The Children’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Pop Up Globe) and Michael Jackson ONE (Cirque du Soleil).

She has had an exceptional dance career, both in New Zealand and the USA. Dancing under Emmy Award winning choreographer Parris Goebel for four years, she became a World Champion, winning one Bronze and two Gold medals at the World Hip Hop Championships (Las Vegas) She also performed in Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE for three years in Las Vegas.

PAUL BARRETT NOSTRADAMUS Paul made his professional acting debut at Circa Theatre, Wellington in 1980.

Having obtained an Honours degree in Music in 1979, he has since appeared in over a hundred plays as an actor, and thirty as a Musical Director / pianist, or singer throughout New Zealand and in the UK and Australia.

Paul is an Associate of The Court Theatre, and was a member of the company from 1985-1996.

From 1992-96 he was also a foundation tutor at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA).

He has recorded over one thousand commercial voice-overs for tv and radio, plus documentaries and corporate videos.

He also regularly records Audiobooks for the Blind Foundation.

Since early 2022 Paul has played the role of Stanley Thompson on Shortland Street.

His last appearance on The Court stage was in Mum’s Choir in 2018.

NICK PURDIE

BEN FREETH

CAMERON CLAYTON BROTHER JEREMIAH/ ENSEMBLE Cameron studied at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Performing Arts).

His previous credits include Cats (Showbiz & AMICII Productions); Rent (AMICII Productions); The Witches of Eastwick (Riccarton Players); Shrek the Musical (Showcase Entertainment); Flagons and Foxtrots; RENT and Cinderella (The Court Theatre).

Cameron’s television credits include Sextortion (2020) and David Lomas Investigates (2021).

Cameron has also performed in country music throughout NZ, Australia and USA and was awarded Gore Gold Guitar Award Overall Winner (2004), NZ Entertainer of the Year (2005) and Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year (2001).

SHYLOCK/ LORD CLAPHAM/ UNDERSTUDY NICK Ben has immersed himself in theatre since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts.

His previous Court Theatre credits as an actor include Romeo and Juliet; Mary Poppins; Cops and Robbers; Legally Blonde the Musical; The Ugly Duckling; Chicago; Titus Andronicus; Jesus Christ Superstar; Les Liaisons Dangereuses; The Wind in the Willows, Jersey Boys, Little Shop of Horrors, Flagons and Foxtrots and RENT. His other theatre credits include Once on Chunuk Bair (Imagine Charitable Trust); RAP-unzel; Botfarm 2014 (New Zealand Playhouse); Mamma Mia; Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch); Madagascar The Musical (GMG Productions).

Ben’s stage management credits include Catch Me If You Can; Severely Queer (Blackboard Theatre Collective); Sweet Charity; Ragtime (NASDA); Songs for a New World (So Keen Productions); The Father; The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race and he served as assistant stage manager on Hudson & Halls Live! (The Court Theatre).

His directing credits include Time Machine; Crash Bash; Disney’s Frozen JR. and was assistant director on Next To Normal (The Court Theatre); The Isolation Mixtape (Blackboard Theatre Collective).

Ben Freeth is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

TOM SNOUT/ UNDERSTUDY SHAKESPEARE AND BROTHER JEREMIAH Nick is a graduate of WPAC (Diploma in Singing / BAppA Performing Arts, Musical Theatre).

His previous Court Theatre credits include Blood Brothers; Mary Poppins; Legally Blonde the Musical; Jersey Boys and Next To Normal.

Most recently Nick was the Associate Director for both New Zealand and Australian tours of the Selladoor Worldwide production of Madagascar The Musical and appeared in the New Zealand tour of Jersey Boys.

Other notable credits include Onstage Swing in The Sound of Music (West End Palladium International Tour); Bert in Mary Poppins (Invercargill Musical Theatre); Twilight Robbery (York Stage, UK); Sister Act (Showbiz Christchurch and Invercargill Musical Theatre); Altar Boyz (Fortune Theatre); Corny Collins in the New Zealand Premiere of Hairspray (Wellington Musical Theatre); Underscore_ and Gardens Magic (WITCH Music Theatre) and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Manukau Performing Arts) for which he received a NAPTA award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.

Off stage, Nick is an Associate Producer for global theatre producers, GMG Productions.

Nick Purdie is a proud member of Equity New Zealand. @nicpurdie

OLLY HUMPHRIES SNUG/UNDERSTUDY SHYLOCK AND LORD CLAPHAM Olly is a 2014 graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Performing Arts).

His previous Court Theatre credits include Chicago; Titus Andronicus; Legally Blonde the Musical and Mary Poppins. His other theatre credits include Kinky Boots (G&T Productions); Shrek the Musical (Showcase Entertainment Group); Beauty and the Beast the Pantomime (GMG Productions); Ladies who Brunch; Drop Dead Gorgeous; Sirens of the Silver Screen; Let’s Hear it for the Girls!

(Les Femmes); The Incredible and Glorious World According to the Fitzroys (Glass Ceiling Arts Collective); Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Showbiz Christchurch); Jackflash and the Jumping Beanstalk and The Importance of Being Earnest (New Zealand Playhouse).

Olly Humphries is a proud member of Equity New Zealand, and a proudly trained secondary school teacher.

JACK MARSHALL PETER/UNDERSTUDY NOSTRADAMUS Jack has been performing professionally around New Zealand since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2013.

Amongst numerous previous Court Theatre credits, his favourites include Romeo and Juliet; Macbeth; Legally Blonde the Musical; Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar and most recently Jersey Boys. His other theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera; Spamalot; Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch) and Catch Me If You Can (Blackboard Theatre Collective).

When he isn’t performing, Jack can be found selling houses all over Christchurch for Harcourts Holmwood.

Jack Marshall is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

JARED PALLESEN ROBIN/MINSTREL Jared was recently seen on the Court Theatre stage in RENT (ensemble/understudy Angel). Their other theatre credits include Cringeworthy: Swinging in the 60s (Circa Theatre - Pōneke); the NZ Arena Tour of Starlight Express (The Really Useful Group/The Stetson Group); Boq in Wicked (Willoughby Theatre Company - Sydney); Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Willoughby Theatre Company - Sydney); Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre & Company - Sydney) and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd (WITCH Music Theatre - Pōneke).

Film and television credits include Freaky, Time Trackers and Second Hand Wedding.

Jared is also a freelance graphic designer and digital artist, clients include Theatre & Company; Hugo Grrrl and The Tiwhas!.

Jared would like to thank his dance teacher, Deborah Hale, and voice teacher Jane Keller.

Jared Pallesen is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

FRANCIS/UNDERSTUDY NIGEL AND MINSTREL Bryn is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing & Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Performing Arts). Originally from Dunedin, he has featured in DKCM Ltd & Taieri Musical’s Grease: The Arena Spectacular Live & the Fortune Theatre’s Into The Woods.

His NASDA credits include: 42nd Street as Billy Lawlor; Curtains; It’s Only Life; Urinetown as Bobby Strong and Holiday Inn as Ted Hanover.

Bryn’s other theatre credits include Christ, What a Night! (Little Andromeda), Severely Queer: Time For Tea (Blackboard Theatre Collective); Madagascar The Musical NZ & Australian Tour; and Beauty and the Beast - The Pantomime (GMG Productions NZ); Shrek The Musical Riyadh Tour (Showcase Entertainment Group), Wonderland Glow Show as a Puppeteer (Glow Show Company) and toured Aotearoa for the past two years performing Rumpelstiltskin and The Emperor’s New Clothes for New Zealand Playhouse.

BRYN MONK

JACKSON LAM SHEUNG YORRICK Jackson (Ngāti Porou) is a graduate of The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) where he gained a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Theatre).

Previous to this he spent a year at Hagley Theatre Company.

This is Jackson’s second show with The Court Theatre, his previous credit being Te Kuia me te Pungawerewere.

Some of his other theatre credits include Treasure Island (NZ Playhouse); Merry and Bright, Severely Queer: It’s a Pirates Life (Blackboard Theatre Collective.) and The Drowsy Chaperone, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (NASDA) and We Will Still Go On (Asian Waves Productions).

EVE KELLY LYFORD ENSEMBLE (UNDERSTUDY BEA) Eve (Ngāti Porou & Ngāpuhi) born and raised in Whakatāne was heavily involved in the Theatre and Music scene from the young age of 5 years old.

Eve’s theatre performance credits include, Production Vocalist on Princess Cruise Lines, NZ ABBA Tribute Tour, Children’s theatre at Whoa Studios & Sophie in the Dancing Queen Dining in Experience.

Eve has been very actve in the live music scene this past year, performing regularly around the North Island, releasing her own original music under the artist name “Eve Kelly” and having now put on three of her own 5-piece band “Eve Kelly Live” Shows.

This is Eve’s first show with The Court Theatre. It has been a while since she has done theatre, so she is very excited to get back into it!

Jackson Lam Sheung is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

LUCY SUTCLIFFE ENSEMBLE (UNDERSTUDY PORTIA) Lucy graduated from The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in 2020 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Theatre).

Lucy’s performance credits include Next To Normal (The Court Theatre); Madagascar The Musical - Australia and New Zealand Tour and Cinderella (GMG Productions); Bigger, Better, Brighter! and Time For Tech (Echelon Productions); 42nd Street as Peggy Sawyer, Holiday Inn as Linda Mason, Urinetown and Curtains (NASDA).

In 2019, Lucy won the New Zealand Dance Awards Pro/Am Music Theatre Award and was awarded a scholarship to train at Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

Lucy Sutcliffe is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

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JACQUELINE DOHERTY ENSEMBLE

TIAHLI MARTYN

Jacqueline has trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York (Summer Conservatory) and at the Christchurch International Musical Theatre Summer School (Emerging Professionals programme).

ENSEMBLE

Something Rotten! is Jacqueline’s debut performance at The Court Theatre. Her other theatre credits include The Bechdel Test (Blackboard Theatre Collective); That Bloody Woman; Les Misérables; Broadway Hitmen (Showbiz Christchurch); Reefer Madness and Spring Awakening (MUSOC).

Previously in Little Shop of Horrors with The Court Theatre, her other credits in New Zealand include Beauty and the Beast (GMG Productions), Parade (Bravi Theatre), and Spamalot (Selwyn Arts Theatre), alongside Aladdin (Everyman Theatre), Apasionadas and En Route (Morea Performing Arts) in England.

Jacqueline Doherty is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

Tiahli is a graduate of Morea Performing Arts in the United Kingdom.

Tiahli is also a passionate choreographer, with credits including School of Rock and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Selwyn Arts Theatre).

Tiahli recently completed a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science conjoint degree at the University of Auckland, majoring in French, Spanish and Psychology. She then spent several months travelling through Europe and the UK, where she trained with various choreographers and companies such as Frantic Assembly and National Theatre.

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR ENSEMBLE Charlotte is delighted to return to Christchurch for her third summer musical at The Court Theatre. She is currently based in Florence, Italy, where she recently graduated with her Masters in Opera from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory of Music. Charlotte also has her ATCL and Bachelor of Music from the University of Canterbury. Charlotte has performed in a range of musical theatre and operatic productions in New Zealand and Italy.

Her previous Court Theatre credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and The Mikado.

Her other theatre credits include Omaggio a Ennio Morricone (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino); Il Barbiere di Siviglia; ­(New Zealand Opera), The Bechdel Test; Moments from the Edge (Blackboard Theatre Collective), Wicked; Sister Act; Phantom of the Opera (Christchurch Showbiz).

Tiahli Martyn is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

ENSEMBLE Sarah (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a 2023 graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Music Theatre).

Something Rotten! is Sarah’s first Court Theatre production. Her previous theatre credits include Into the Woods (Ovation Musical Theatre); Company; The Bacchae and Chicago (NASDA), A Little Night Music (Enchanting Productions); A Collection of Noises (Sparrow and Boyle Productions) and Shortland Street the Musical (Centrepoint Theatre).

Sarah has worked as a singing and piano teacher, both in Papioea Palmerston North, and Ōtautahi Christchurch, as well as recently starting to teach pole dancing. She was also the runner up in the New Zealand Amateur Pole Performers expert category in 2022, and attended the National Shakespeare Schools Production in 2020.

SARAH CLARE JUDD

Sarah Clare Judd is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

ETHAN CHITTOCK ENSEMBLE Ethan is a 2023 graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (Bachelor of Music Theatre).

This is Ethan’s first appearance in a production with The Court Theatre, and he feels very excited and appreciative that he has been given the opportunity to join The Court Theatre over the summer for their production of Something Rotten!. Ethan’s most recent theatre credits include Chicago; The Bacchae; and most recently Company (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art).

This is Ethan’s first experience within the world of professional theatre which he is very thrilled about. He is also very excited to learn from so many talented and experienced performers on this show.

JACK DUFF SWING Jack is a 2019 graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts Music Theatre).

Whilst there he was the grateful recipient of The Ron Freedom Memorial Award and The Grace Marion Wilson Trust.

His theatre credits include Skimbleshanks in Cats (RCCL); Mike in Stranger Sings!

A Musical Parody (Salty Theatre) and Phantom/Swing in The Rocky Horror Show (John X Presents).

Based in Melbourne, Jack is thrilled to be returning home for the summer to perform at The Court Theatre for the first time.

He would like to thank The Court Theatre for this opportunity, his agents Dior and Karen and of course his family for their constant love and support.

KIRA JOSEPHSON SWING Kira is from the USA, where she attended the Orange County School of the Arts and received her BFA in Theatre Arts from Stephens College.

Kira is a proud member of Equity NZ, and serves as Secretary of the Equity Board, and is represented by KR Actors. She is currently appearing as Jane in Power Rangers Dino Fury [Season 28/29] and Power Rangers Cosmic Fury [Season 30], and as Bec in Kid Sister on TVNZ. She also appeared earlier in the year in the horror film M3GAN. She was seen most recently on The Court stage in Dance Nation.

Kira would like to give a special shout out to her fellow cast member Ben Freeth. They met seven years ago doing Legally Blonde at The Court Theatre, they got engaged two years ago doing Little Shop of Horrors, and this will be their last summer musical together before getting married in February.

Kira is very excited for many, many more shows with Mr. Freeth.

THINGS WE SAY TODAY WHICH WE OWE TO SHAKESPEARE: “IN A PICKLE”

“BREAK THE ICE” “SEEN BETTER DAYS”

“WHAT’S DONE IS DONE”

“HEART OF GOLD”

“NOT SLEPT ONE WINK”

“BE AL L/ END AL L”

“FAINT HEARTED” “MAKES YOUR HAIR STAND ON END”

“GOOD RIDDANCE”

“WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE”

“COME WHAT MAY” ”

TRUTH D E K A “N

“OFF WITH HIS HEAD” “DEAD AS A DOORNAIL”

“VANISH INTO THIN AIR”

“WILD GOOSE CHASE”

“SO-SO”

“SET YOUR TEETH ON EDGE”

“KNOCK, KNO CK! WHO’S THERE ?”

“FAIR PLAY/ FOUL PLAY”

“BRAVE NEW “SEND HIM WORLD” PACKING”

“THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER”

CLE”

IR “FULL C

“LOVE IS BLIND” “BAITED BREATH”

“FOR GOODNESS SAKE”

“LIE LOW”

“WILD GOOSE CHASE”

“A SORRY SIGHT”

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In 2024 the Friends are investing in the future of theatre in Christchurch.

They are a supporting partner of Education and Outreach at The Court and are proud to be sponsoring one of the Youth Company Scholarships.

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CREATIVES

DAN WILLIAMS SET DESIGNER Daniel graduated with a degree in Performance Design from Massey University and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 2006. His theatre career has seen him design sets and costumes for work all over New Zealand and internationally.

He won The 2013 Q Theatre, Auckland Newcomer Award at the Auckland Theatre Awards, and has been nominated multi times at the Wellington Theatre Awards including winning ‘Weta Workshop Set Designer of the Year’ in 2008.

Designs include work for Circa Theatre, Centrepoint Theatre, Fortune Theatre, Downstage Theatre, Silo Theatre, The Court Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company.

Daniel was the Associate Show Director of the 2017 World of Wearable Arts Awards show and has spent most of 2019 and 2020 Art directing large-scale events like ‘Summer in the Square’ and film production design.

Daniel recently designed the set for Little Shop of Horrors; Once and Girl on the Train at The Court.

You can check out more of his work at danielwilliamsdesign.com.

TINA HUTCHISONTHOMAS COSTUME DESIGNER & MANAGER Over the last 20 years, Tina has been privileged to work in theatre, film, television, ballet and opera across Australia, China, South Africa and New Zealand.

Her costume design credits for The Court Theatre include Kings of the Gym; Snap!; When the Rain Stops Falling; Ache; Plum; Stag Weekend; Shepherd; Romeo and Juliet; Exit the King; Badjelly the Witch; Macbeth; The Streaker; The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time; Titus Andronicus; Ideation; Mum’s Choir and RENT. Her other recent costume design work includes Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella (GMG Productions); Barber and Bernstein Double Bill and Suor Angelica (Toi Toi Opera); Sweet Adelines International – Waikato Rivertones and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Barden Party). She was the Costume Coordinator/Standby for a recent locally made feature film with Piki Island.

In 2023, Tina had a full calendar of shows including, Kinky Boots, Madagascar: The Musical, Pooh Bear Live and The Gala.

Tina is a multi-award winner in the World of Wearable Art. Other costume-making credits include Matilda the Musical (Showbiz); Sydney Theatre Company; Opera Australia and various feature films.

JULIAN SOUTHGATE PROPERTIES MANAGER Julian has designed numerous Court Theatre sets including Babylon Heights; Year of the Rat; Skin Tight; Baghdad, Baby!; Blackbird; Kiss of the Spiderwoman; The Tutor; Heartbreak House; Angels; The Perfumed Garden; Side by Side by Sondheim; Much Ado About Nothing; Pacific Post; The Women; Amadeus; End of the Rainbow; The Hound of the Baskervilles; Plum; Le Sud; Romeo and Juliet; Exit the King; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; The Wind in the Willows; A Streetcar Named Desire and Sense and Sensibility.

His other stage set designs include Cats; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Showbiz Christchurch) and the national tour of Pinocchio (Royal New Zealand Ballet).

Julian has also made props and sculpture for numerous festivals, operas, and outdoor and street theatre.

DARREN MCKANE LIGHTING DESIGNER (THE LIGHT SITE) LIGHTING OPERATOR (FROM 18TH DECEMBER) Darren is one of the busiest lighting operators in Christchurch with a career spanning many years and is a regular at The Court Theatre, operating every Christmas season since 2000.

Darren also works extensively as a lighting operator throughout Christchurch for other companies and as the electrical service technician for The Light Site Ltd. Darren currently works at The Light Site and has worked on an incredible list of shows for many different companies, including Showbiz: My Fair Lady; Matilda The Musical: Miss Saigon; Les Misérables; We Will Rock You; Wicked, Sister Act; Priscilla; Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia. For The Court Theatre show include: Kiss Me Kate; My Fair Lady; The Sound of Music; Anything Goes; The Seagull; Cabaret; Side by Side by Sondheim; RENT; Wind in the Willows; Jersey Boys; Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Legally Blonde; Mary Poppins; and Grease.

GILES TANNER ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER Giles is a graduate of Hagley Theatre Company (Diploma in Performing Arts), where he concentrated on technical production, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Canterbury.

Currently Head Technician at The Court Theatre, Giles has worked on more than 70 Court productions including Amadeus; When the Rain Stops Falling; Constellations; Educating Rita; Waiora: Te U Kai Po - The Homeland; The Events; Venus in Fur; Titus Andronicus; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Stephen King’s Misery; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Once; The Wind in the Willows; A Streetcar Named Desire; The Girl on the Train; Sense and Sensibility; and Dance Nation.

In 2023, Giles was a recipient of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Out of the Limelight Awards, recognising dedicated theatre practitioners in Aotearoa.

GLEN RUSKE SOUND DESIGNER (BOUNCENZ) BounceNZ has a strong relationship with and are a proud sponsor of The Court Theatre.

The combination of live performance and excellence in sound production is a winning partnership.

BounceNZ is a professional sound production and hire company with branches in both Christchurch and Auckland. Since the early 1980s BounceNZ has been supplying superior sound for orchestras, theatre shows and corporate events. They are sought after worldwide and their talented staff have toured with numerous professional and amateur theatre companies, orchestras and international artists throughout the world.

They have designed and operated sound for productions as diverse as The Rocky Horror Show in Singapore; Maui; Beauty and the Beast; Les Misérables; Cats; Miss Saigon; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; My Fair Lady; 42nd Street and Grease to name a few.

BounceNZ are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of another show with The Court Theatre.

STAGE MANAGER Louise studied Stage Management at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Her UK Theatre credits include There Came a Gypsy Riding (Almeida Theatre); The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre); The BFG (National Tour); Sh*t-M*x (Piccadilly Studios) and Resident Stage Manager at The Bush Theatre (Wrecks; 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover... at Christmas; I Caught Crabs in Walberswick; Stovepipe).

Her Australian Theatre credits include Tales from the Vienna Woods; Waikiki Hip and The Vertical Hour (Sydney Theatre Company)

LOUISE TOPPING

Louise has also worked extensively in Television Production, including Planet Earth Live; Animal Planet; Live ‘n’ Deadly; Deadly 360; Food and Drink; The One Show; Sport Relief (BBC), Dickinson’s Real Deal (RDF Television), Pobol-y-Cwm (BBC Wales); Live Well; Better Homes and Gardens (Seven Network, Australia); and most recently as Production Manager for Flashworks Media (NZ).

GEOFF NUNN LIGHTING OPERATOR (UNTIL 18TH DECEMBER) Originally from Manchester, Geoff has been in New Zealand since 1994. He is a qualified baker and at first worked in the hospitality industry as a chef and then restaurant manager from Queenstown through to Mount Manganui. He then decided on a complete change in career and went to Circo-Arts for a year and then studied for two years with The Hagley Theatre Company.

Geoff joined The Court Theatre on a casual basis in 2000 and has since worked as an actor, drama tutor, designer, technician and stage manager, becoming a full- time technician in 2005 and taking over the head technician position in 2008.

In 2010, Geoff took up a scholarship to work and train as an early childhood educator.

After the earthquake he set up his own small catering company which ran for 12 years in Christchurch.

LILY BOURNE ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & DRESSER Originally from Palmerston North, Lily moved to Ōtautahi to attend the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Theatre in 2022.

Lily was last seen on The Court Theatre stage as River Rayner in Appropriate, her other credits include Rita Vincent in Flagons & Foxtrots and Sense and Sensibility as a Dresser. 2023 has seen Lily touring Australia for renowned production house Strut & Fret in Blanc de Blanc Encore as the Singer, a role she will continue to perform onboard P&O Cruises Pacific Encounter in 2024.

Her other performance credits include, The New Regent Street Spectacular (Strut & Fret); Merry and Bright (Blackboard Theatre Collective); Grease and The Wedding Singer (NASDA).

She is also a Teaching Artist in The Court’s Education and Outreach Programme, and is a former Jester Youth Company member.

Lily Bourne is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

He has done lighting designs for NASDA, St Andrew's College, Halswell School and The Light Site. Geoff has been fulltime at The Court Theatre since the start of 2023.

Geoff has also directed shows for Original Scripts Theatre School, The Hurunui Theatre Group and Christchurch Boys' High School.

EVE CURZON SOUND OPERATOR Eve has recently emigrated from the UK where she has been working in London for the last 15 years. She has worked on numerous West End shows and UK tours including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and School of Rock.

She is looking forward to getting stuck into life and work in New Zealand.

HAYDON DICKIE ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & SOUND ASSISTANT Haydon has worked in and out of the spotlight for both stage and screen. He starred in the short film Mr Savant (Winning Film, Somedays Stories Film Challenge 2019), he was an actor and crew on the short film Truth.exe (Official Selection: Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival; Sci Fi Film Festival (Sydney); Monthly Finalist - Changing Face International Film Festival; and Winner - Best Student Film, Miami International SciFi Film Festival). He is also a producer and actor in the yet-to-be-released feature film based on Truth.exe, entitled The Bostrom Scenario.

Haydon was a member of The Court Youth Company 2019 / 2020. His performance credits with the company include The Quarantine Diaries; Brainstorm and their sellout productions of Boudica and Jekyll & Hyde. Recently, Haydon has pursued a more behind the scenes path. His credits include RENT; Appropriate; Next To Normal; The Haka Party Incident (Assistant Stage Manager); Boys; The Unauthorised Biography of Cinderella (Stage Manager) to name a few.

Haydon is also a playwright, having debuted his first show Reminisce in July 2022 and has recently completed his second piece, Tell Me Where To Start.

ABOUT THE WIG SPECIALIST Having been in the hairdressing industry for 18 years and Makeup artistry for 12. Zoes has branched into all aspects of both professions. Wigs are a passion for her. Zoe has experience in both hair and makeup in all aspects of salon hairdressing, teaching, runway, editorial, theatre including SFX and body painting.

Currently Zoe is the Team Leader at Yoobee Colleges for Film and Foundation Learning faculties which includes Makeup Artistry. She owns a Wig Business where she customises wigs for clients with multiple hair loss disorders including chemotherapy clients.

ZOE BUCKLAND

Zoe has assisted with the wig maintenance on multiple Court Theatre productions over the years including Steel Magnolias, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Les Liaisons Dangereuses as-well as multiple Showbiz shows.

Thanks to Patrice Hammond for agreeing to come on board to make sure the wig continuity is kept up for the full season. It's great being involved with the team.

BAND

BRADLEY GRAINGER BASS Bradley Grainger is a graduate of Ara Music Arts School (Bachelor of Music).

Bradley has done multiple shows with The Court Theatre, including RENT and Little Shop of Horrors. His other theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Holiday Inn (NASDA); He Says She Says and Or So They Say (Blackboard Theatre) among others.

Bradley is an in-demand electric and double bassist living in Christchurch. He has worked with numerous notable international artists such as Andy Sugg, Steve Barry, Stefan Nagler as well as local bands such as Mundi, Yurt party and Symposium.

He has performed in festivals throughout NZ which include Christchurch, Wellington, Martinborough, Waiheke, Nelson jazz festivals as well as Christchurch’s World Buskers Festival. His career has also seen him perform on Princess and Holland America Cruise Lines as part of the show band.

CAELAN THOMAS ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR & KEYBOARD 2 Caelan is a Christchurch-based accompanist, musical director, arranger and became an Associate of Trinity College, London (ATCL) in 2015.

His previous Court Theatre credits include Little Shop of Horrors; Disney Frozen JR; Next to Normal; RENT; Flagons and Foxtrots; and Jersey Boys. His other theatre credits include The Wedding Singer (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art); Chicago; Legally Blonde Jr (CentreStage Rolleston); Bad Girls (Riccarton Players) and The Witches of Eastwick (Kirwee Players).

Caelan is currently working with The Vocal Collective as their accompanist, as one of two musical directors working with the Selwyn Community Choir, and regularly as an accompanist for students at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art.

MIKE FERRAR GUITAR Mike is a graduate of the Ara Institute of Canterbury (Bachelor of Musical Arts).

His most recent Court Theatre credits include RENT and Little Shop Of Horrors.

His other theatre credits include Mamma Mia!; Hairspray; Evita; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and We Will Rock You (Showbiz Christchurch) and many others.

Mike has toured nationally and internationally with artists including Elaine Paige and Aled Jones, and is an active musician in the Christchurch scene, performing with his original guitar trio Toro! alongside many other projects.

He is the jazz guitar tutor for the jazz programme at Ara and performs regularly with his jazz band around Christchurch.

DRUMS Zakary is a graduate of the ARA Institute of Canterbury Music Arts Degree (Bachelor of Musical Arts).

This is Zakary’s first show with The Court Theatre. His other theatre credits include Me and My Girl; Company; Grease; Chicago (NASDA) and As You Like It (Third Bear).

Zakary is a Christchurch based drummer and percussionist with experience in a wide variety of musical styles. He can be found regularly performing with local musicians or leading his own jazz ensemble, and has also worked with a number of Christchurch theatre groups in shows and carabets. Outside of performing, Zakary teaches drums in schools around Christchurch.

ZAK WILLIAMS

INTERVIEW WITH THE COSTUME DESIGNER

What inspired you?

The design process begins with questions…. What’s our budget?

What stock have we available?

How much time do we have to make costumes? Who are our characters? What world do they live in?

Once those things have been discussed and finalised, the fun part can commence! I went into the costume department and spent hours looking at fabrics, trims, stock items and creating colour palettes for the next meeting.

TINA HUTCHISON THOMAS

Researching, fabric shopping, trips to the library are all part of the journey before I even begin to put pencil to paper and design.

What’s unique about Something Rotten! costumes?

This is a season premiere for The Court, and Elizabethan/Shakespearean is a time period we rarely costume nowadays. I reached out to The Pop Up Globe team in Auckland, and have been able to hire some of their exceptional costumes. This is something we don’t normally do, but due to the large volume of costumes it would have been impossible to make everything from scratch.

How did the idea start?

During my first discussion with Ben (Director), he spoke about the set being designed in 2D and black and white. The decision to go bold colour was an easy one. By keeping the period shapes “of the era”, we can create a world of fun and colour. That's the beauty of a show like this: we can create the world we want.

What is the final number of costumes used in this show?

I stopped counting at 400 costume pieces…there are approx. 127 costumed characters. I really wanted to use as much material and fabric stock from the court costume dept supply. There are some wonderful fabrics that were well overdue for an airing. This is the basis of the design journey…

What challenges did you face along the way?

There are always challenges with a show of this size. Dance boots for 23 cast members was just one. We had to source them from overseas, plan for them to arrive in time for rehearsing, and then hope they all fit…

Thanks to...

I am very fortunate to have a highly skilled tight knit team who ‘make the magic happen’. I wouldn’t want to do this job without them.

The finishing touches...

This show has many elements - corsets, oversized skirts, jerkins, doublets, breeches, cod pieces, ruffs, dance boots, tap shoes, gaiters, and hats to name a few. The hair and make up are an important part of the era, and I have a specialist team to help get the wigs and hair to look right and maintain that look throughout the season.

To print, or not to print, that is a question! silly William Shakespeare and the invention of the printing press had a major impact on storytelling across the world. Books became accessible for the masses and Caxton will continue that tradition for a very long time to come.

P: 03 366 8516 I www.caxton.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH 100.1FM

Rotten Extremely unpleasant or inferior Use the word ROTTEN to emphasize your dislike for something “I think that’s a rotten idea.”

“What rotten luck.”

“I had a rotten day yesterday.”

“That’s a rotten thing to say.”

ABOUT THE SET DESIGN DAN WILLIAMS I’ve always been a fan of black and white inky drawings, painterly and gestural, seeing the artist’s hand and stroke of the brush is integral to the storytelling behind the set concept for ‘Something Rotten!’. Inherently, the show deals with the idea of writing, or if you will, the creation of art itself. I wanted the design to reflect that same notion of putting a quill to paper and scribbling down your ideas just like Shakespeare had done thousands of times before. Our choice of making the entire set black and white reflects that notion directly, supported by the props being 2D, we have created a world where the simple idea of a line drawing can imbue that object with dimension and reality. Perspective was invented during the Renaissance period so I was very interested in having that strongly used within the style of the drawings, playing with angles, depth and distortion. Visually, the monochromatic set language compliments Tina’s (Costume Designer) bold and colourful costume design, also giving Darren (Lighting Designer)

room to explore with tone in the lighting, by restricting colour in one design element means we can push it in the others.

Welcome to the ‘Renaissance’, as simply set out in the opening number of the show, the audience are transported back in time to London 1595 - a time of Tudor architecture, renowned painters and of course The Globe Theatre. I wanted to honour all environments as much as we could, taking the easy route of setting everything in one location was something we really didn’t want to do. The show jumps between a barrage of eight different locations across 22 scenes including a magical dream sequence, exterior of a park, London back alley streets and The Globe. We use several large scale scenic props on wheeled bases to support these transitions, trees, windmill and barrels just to name a few again painted to look 3D but are in fact 2D cut outs, this design decision has majorly helped with all the backstage traffic and space management.

One of the biggest challenges with this musical is how to stage it without a fly tower. The Court's Mainstage is extremely wide and doesn’t have the capabilities to fly scenery in and out from the ceiling, everything must come in from the sides. This restricts backdrop sizes and impinges on the backstage space especially when there is a live band to consider. Another difficulty is the music itself, it’s so specific in time that tricky scene changes must happen within the score, as you will see some are very quick.

This is where I came up with the ‘Magic Box’ concept. I spent a bit of time researching how other companies have tackled this same issue, creating a central structure that can transform like a picture book simply taking

us from one environment to the next with the turn of a page worked well for us. Having it on wheels and fully mobile allows it to travel off stage into the wings creating room for large choreographic numbers and moments for us to change props within it away from audience view. We liked the idea of using flat curtains to help jump us from place to place, three full scale 2D printed curtains anchor us in the overall visual aesthetic, hand drawn, splattery and inky they quickly move us between scenes and allow some fun reveals when we want to surprise and delight the audience. I hope this little insight into the concepts behind our production adds to your experience of ‘Something Rotten!’.

RECIPE

23 CAST MEMBERS I RUNS FOR 10 WEEKS I OVER 50 SHOWS

INGREDIENTS Over 127 costumed characters which have been hand made locally and over 400 costume pieces in total (reduce, reuse, recycle).

It’s taken 75 local creatives to bring this production to the stage, including creatives who worked on Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Star Wars.

METHOD The cast’s dance shoes were delivered directly to Disneyland property in Anaheim, LA and a staff member on holiday brought them back especially for this production.

Something Rotten! has a truly uniquely designed set, it is unlike anything seen in Christchurch before.

The entire Something Rotten! production has been built and created in house, in Addington, Christchurch using local suppliers including Adgraphix, The Light Site, BounceNZ, Halswell Timber and others.

Not only is The Court Theatre’s production of Something Rotten! its Australasian Premiere, but it is the first time the musical has been performed in the Southern Hemisphere.

Previous projects that cast members have appeared in include Hamilton, The Lion King Reo Māori, Shrek the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, The Producers, Jesus Christ Superstar and many, many others.

Many in the cast are local performers including Monique Clementson from Whitebait Media’s The Feed.

This show has quite possibly got the most hand held props of any Court Theatre production.

This will mark Richard Marrett’s (Musical Director) 25th mainstage musical production with us at The Court Theatre.

Something Rotten! will be the biggest choreographed musical The Court has ever done.

There has been a five week rehearsal period before opening night.

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The Court Company Our Values MĀIATANGA COURAGEOUS | MANAAKITANGA WELCOMING | WHĀNAUNGATANGA BELONGING | KOTAHITANGA ONE TEAM

Acting Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae Steve Wakefield ARTISTIC Artistic Director (Team Lead) Dr Alison Walls Associate Artistic Director Tim Bain BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tessitura (CRM) Manager Anisha Thomas FRONT OF HOUSE Food + Beverage Lea McEwan Teghan Bain Ben Cox Sienna Holland-Reiser Rachel Brebner David Patullo Anna Cropp Shannon Douglas Erin Kavanagh Danielle Reiser Tara Smith Jack Taylor Helen Vessey Anthea Johnson Taylor Ballantyne Box Office and / or Lead Hosts Rachel Brebner Helen Brocklehurst Margot Coleman Haydon Dickie Annah Johnstone Mandy Perry Rebecca Radcliffe Rose Spoelstra Karyn Willetts Isayah Snow Customer Experience Administrator Erin Hills Customer Experience Manager Rachel Vavasour Food and Beverage Manager Petra Laskova FINANCE Finance Manager Kevin Fee Administration Assistant Fiona Haines Payroll and Accounts Administrator Annah Johnstone

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

TEACHING ARTISTS

FOUNDATION BOARD Chair Laura Palomino de Forbes

Marketing and Social Media Coordinator Georgia Bingham

Rachel Brebner Ben Jarrett Ben O’Brien-Limmer Hannah McDougall Krystal O’Gorman Dan Pengelly Cain Liang Will Burns Rosie Gilmore Caitlin Penhey

FUNDRAISING

COURT JESTERS

Client Manager Andrea Winder

Brendon Bennetts Rachel Brebner Kathleen Burns Jeff Clark Emma Cusdin Kirsty Gillespie Criss Grueber Maddie Harris Riley Harter Benjamin Kent Scott Koorey James Kupa Hannah McDougall Henri Nelis Dan Pengelly Caitlin Penhey Ciarán Searle Jarred Skelton Andrew Todd Gabby Wakefield Tilly Walbom

Patron Ben Gough

Sales and Marketing Manager (Team Lead) Virna Smith Graphic Design Samuel Bingham

Partner Relationships Manager Sophie Hicks Trust and Grant Funding Manager Anna Colthart PRODUCTION Production Manager (Team Lead) Tim Bain Construction Manager Matt McCutcheon Costume Manager Daniella Salazar Costume Technician Findlay Currie

Treasurer Christopher Weir Board Hall Cannon Tina Duncan Cilla Glasson FRIENDS

Chair Annie Bonifant Deputy Chair Cheryl Colley Secretary Charles Duke Treasurer Lynn Vandertie Membership Secretary Jay Pollock Committee Andrea Bankier Pat Braithwaite Tony Feaver Raewyn Raynel David Winfield

Chair Steve Wakefield

ASSOCIATES Bryan Aitken Stuart Alderton Paul Barrett Judie Douglass Tony Geddes Joe Hayes Geoffrey Heath Elric Hooper MBE Avril Lockhead Yvonne Martin Lynda Milligan Eilish Moran Stewart Ross

Properties Manager Julian Southgate

Deputy Chair Jenny May

FELLOWS OF THE COURT

Set Construction Seth Edwards-Ellis Nigel Kerr

Board Andrea Bankier Paul Bryden Tanya M’Call Peter Glasson Anne Newman Georgina Toomey Steven van der Pol

Education and Outreach Production Manager (Interim) Ben O’Brien Limmer Head Stage Manager Jo Bunce Head Technician Giles Tanner Lighting and Sound Technician Geoff Nunn Production Administrator Manager Amanda Hare

THE NEW COURT IN THE CITY Artistic Adviser / Lead Director Ross Gumbley Capital Campaign Manager Carolyne Grant

Jester Musicians Deen Coulson Kris Finnerty Criss Grueber Hamish Oliver Dan Robertson Jesters Producer Flore Charbonnier TRUST BOARD

John Harrison ONZM John McSweeney Felicity Price ONZM

Project Manager Tom Clisby

The Court Theatre company is made up of full and part-time, casual and contracted staff and volunteers.