Meeting Karpovsky: Sir Jon Trimmer

The extremely talented long-term mainstay of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sir Jon Trimmer, talks to drama on the waterfront about the return season of Meeting Karpovsky with Helen Moulder.

Helen Moulder and Sir Jon Trimmer rehearsing Meeting Karpovsky in a Paekakariki garden.

DOTW: Please tell us a bit about the story of Meeting Karpovsky.

JT: Sylvia is a Balletomane who has seen the great dancer Alexander Karpovsky perform 127 times. Her collection of Karpovsky photos is one of her joys. One day Karpovsky appears in her house and slowly he brings her out of her present state of mind with the help of dance, a little trauma and some kindness. The play has a bitter sweet side to it, but it ends well.

DOTW: What can you tell us about your character?

JT: My character I find is kind, tough and helpful. Karpovsky could be imaginary in Sylvia’s life – we are not sure. He is a pleasure to play.

DOTW: You helped to create this show; where did the idea come from? How did the creation process work?

JT: It was a very enjoyable creation for me. Working with two brilliant artistes brought home to me once again why I enjoy being part of Theatre. I was able to create my own Karpovsky, which was then moulded into a richer character by Sue Rider, a marvellous director. I enjoy the way the three of us threw ideas around.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the early productions?

JT: The earlier production had a sterner Karpovsky – he was not so nice to Sylvia. It was almost a case of tough love.

DOTW: What can audiences expect from the return season at Circa?

JT: Our reworking is very interesting. Being almost ten years older we all have a different feel, a different way of approaching these characters. There is as much humour as before. Sylvia is not quite such a lost person as in the last production and Karpovsky is showing a slightly gentler side. It makes for an interesting story.

DOTW: I understand you will be once again going on tour with Meeting Karpovsky, can you tell us where/when you will be going?

JT: After the Circa season, we take Karpovsky on the road, opening first in my home village, Paekakariki. St Peters Church Hall is a beautifully kept turn of the century building, roughly 1905. While not large, it has a wonderful atmosphere for smaller pieces such as Karpovsky. We move on to Masterton, Palmerston North, Cambridge, Rotorua and Howick in Auckland. I’ve always found audiences in smaller towns very rewarding.

Meeting Karpovsky opens in Circa Two on 10 February and runs until 25 February. to book, call the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz. 

Fairy Stories: Absolute Legends on Stage

In a drama on the waterfront first, we sat down with the Lighting and Sound Operator/Stage Manager for Fairy Stories, Anneliese Mudge, to find out what goes on in the booth during this fun and fantastic show.

DOTW: What can you tell us about Fairy Stories?

AM: It’s a fantastic romp – for adults. Retelling fairy tales with dance and music, lashings of humour, some naughty, some just plain beautiful to watch.

Fairy Stories. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: What is your role?

AM: I am the Lighting and Sound Operator and do a bit of Stage Management – though the cast are very self sufficient and disciplined so they don’t need much managing!

DOTW: I understand you have worked on Fairy Stories before; what is your history with this show?

AM: I did a heap of different shows with Paul, Louis and Kate: Fairy Stories, 2001 Nights, Dance for Dummies’ and more around the Millennium. We did a cracking show New Years Eve 1999, and then I ran off to help with the waterfront pyrotechnics. I also worked on the show that was at the Opera House where the audience was seated on the stage. All of them were really entertaining and fun to work on.

DOTW: How is it to work with Paul Jenden, Sir Jon Trimmer and the rest of the cast?

AM: Just lovely, they are so professional and a joy to watch on stage. They really bring huge personality to the characters they portray. I reckon I had a definite career highlight during pack in week when I got to tape the dance floor down with Louis Solino and Sir John Trimmer.

I really am constantly blown away by Paul’s costumes and all the effort that goes into the show.

Also I leapt at the chance to work with Lisa Maule and Jennifer Lal as Lighting Designers because they are both hugely creative and talented.

Fairy Stories. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: Are there any particular challenges involved in working on this show?

AM: Fitting all the fantastic wigs and costumes back stage! Also I have such fun watching the show I find it hard not to sing along and dance about the operator’s booth.

Plus I feel guilty for sitting down while the cast are “WORKING IT to the MAX!”

DOTW: Finally, what should audiences know about Fairy Stories?

AM: It’s really a great night out – there’s razzle and dazzle and you get to see some absolute legends (not just talking fairy tales here) on stage!

Fairy Stories. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Fairy Stories runs in Circa Two until 9 April. To buy tickets, call the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz.

Fairy Stories: Sheer escapism!

Taking a moment from rehearsing the magical tales that make up Fairy Stories, Kate O’ Rourke tells drama on the waterfront all about working on the show that puts a 'skip in her step'.

DOTW: Please tell us about Fairy Stories; what can audiences expect?

KOR: Nothing I say can prepare you for Fairy Stories. There is no other show like it, and I really, really mean that! We have chosen some well loved fairytales to share with you all but please DO NOT expect the Little Golden Book version – we are retelling them in a very unique way! It is a totally spell binding experience, jam packed with belly aching humor, heart stopping drama, glorious movement, costumes fit for the Wearable Arts Supreme Award and music that, after four weeks of rehearsal, still gives me goose bumps. What more could you ask for? Fairy Stories is enchanting and one of those rare shows that everyone can enjoy, and will continue to do so long after you have left the theatre. Sheer escapism!

DOTW: What is your role in this production?

KOR: What isn’t my role would be an easier question to answer! I play nine different characters, six of which appear in the first Act. Busy busy….!

DOTW: What sort of challenges come with working on a show like this?

KOR: Remembering which costume to put on when and quite often having to achieve this in 45 seconds. Oh, and did I mention the wigs ...?

DOTW: I understand that Fairy Stories has been staged at Circa before; how does this show compare to one of its earlier incarnations?

KOR: When Fairy Stories first hit Wellington it instantly became the talk of the town, a show that bewitched its audience and put that magic back into live performance. We are now in the 21^st Century. Everyone has moved forward, as has Fairy Stories. We’ve been given the wonderful opportunity to polish the jewel. 

DOTW: What has it been like working with Sir Jon Trimmer? What can you tell us about the rest of the cast?

KOR: The last time I shared the stage with Sir Jon (and no, we don’t call him Sir in the rehearsal room!) I was 11 years old and was one of the children lucky enough to be chosen for the RNZB production of Coppelia. I never thought I’d be fortunate enough to work with him again!

Jon is one of the most gracious, generous and authentic people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His presence on stage is truly inspiring and the twinkle in his eye impossible to ignore!

Paul Jenden, choreographer, performer, designer, writer. A constant in my performing life and the light behind Fairy Stories. Words cannot begin to describe Paul’s brilliance.  Watching Fairy Stories gives you a small glimpse into the mind of a wonderful creator.

Louis Solino and Jenny Beech complete our amazing cast. It is an honour to work with such talented, inspiring artists.

DOTW: What has been your favourite part of working on Fairy Stories thus far?

KOR: Leaving the house for work with a skip in my step. How many people can say they look forward to Mondays? I love what I do. I love it all. And I simply cannot wait for opening night!!


Fairy Stories opens in Circa Two on 12 March, and runs until 9 April. There will be a $25 Preview performance on 11 March, and a $25 Special performance on 13 March. To buy tickets, call the Circa Box Office at 04-801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz.