Red Riding Hood: 'an entertaining show, filled with romance, comedy and drama'

Red Riding Hood herself, Awhimai Fraser, talks to drama on the waterfront about the panto experience for the first post of 2015!

Awhimai Fraser in Red Riding Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

There is nothing more rewarding than watching a young child trying to tell you out of pure desperation that there is “a wolf behind you” or with cheeks turning red out of exertion after “booing” the villain off the stage. Of course, that doesn't beat the moment when the adults in the audience discover the multiple meanings of jokes in this pantomime.  

Patrick Davies and Awhimai Fraser in Red Riding Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Being a member of this cast has been an absolute honour, leaving me with many fond memories; sharing stories around the dinner table, completing chocolate calendars leading up to Christmas, singing “Let it go” at the top of my lungs with the cast as a ‘pre-show warm up’ or meeting the children after the show and seeing their new found love for the Arts. 

Awhimai Fraser and Simon Leary in Red Riding Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

After having a lovely Christmas break with my family, I am ready to get back into the second season of this exciting show! So book your tickets NOW and be prepared for an entertaining show, filled with romance, comedy and drama. Even better, it’s suitable for all ages! Why not make a night of it and have dinner at Circa’s very own bar/restaurant Encore – they make the best chicken pot pies.

Red Riding Hood, the Pantomime runs until 10 January. To book, visit, www.circa.co.nz or call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992.

Meet the super talented cast of Red Riding Hood ...

The Dominion Post called it

“A FULL-ON, HIGH ENERGY, THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE ROMP!”

So who are the super-talented people making this happen?  Meet the cast of Roger Hall’s RED RIDING HOOD The Pantomime ….

Awhimai Fraser (Red Riding Hood)

(Sandy in Grease, Hairspray)

Red Riding Hood is the first Pantomime I have had the privilege to be a part of and it has been such a wonderful experience. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much during a rehearsal process. The actors in this are witty, captivating and extremely polished. I love now doing it before an audience and hopefully inspiring kids to do the right thing, just like Red Riding Hood!

Gavin Rutherford (Grandma Hood – the Dame)

(A View from the Bridge, Equivocation)

This is the fifth year I will be ‘donning the frock’ for a pantomime. Earlier shows were Roger Hall's Robin Hood, Cinderella, and Aladdin, and last year’s Mother Goose. Every time we have so much fun putting these silly shows together. I think making ourselves laugh (and therefore our audience sharing the fun that we are having) is an essential part of these wonderfully fun summer treats.

  

Carrie Green (Dahlia Hood)

(Destination Beehive, I Could Live Here)

This is my first Circa panto and I'm stoked that for my first time I get to play mother to Awhi and daughter to Gavin - we make an interesting wee 'family'. I love our little company. Acting everyday with a bunch of seriously funny people is my dream job. I hope you guys enjoy the show as much as I enjoy being part of it!

Jane Waddell (Boris)

(August Osage County, Who Wants to be a Hundred?)

It's a great pleasure to be part of the Panto team again - I've had Panto withdrawal since I played Lady Muck in Robin Hood four years ago.  Prior to that I'd been in Jack and the Beanstalk, and Dick Whittington. The cast expends a massive amount of energy, but the pay-off is the audience participation - together we raise the roof!

Jonathan Morgan (Morris)

(Destination Beehive, Grease)

Red Riding Hood is my first pantomime experience. The rehearsals were hilariously entertaining, both due to the writing and the cast.  And now that we have an audience, I just love that the show is directed at both children and adults and I really enjoy the great audience reactions.

Patrick Davies (Sir Roger Bounder)

(The Pitmen Painters, The Motor Camp (Fortune))

I’m having a blast in this production as Sir Roger Bounder, the evil property developer with no heart and a lust for profit. Nothing can touch Sir Roger for devilish good looks and a mind like a steel trap. He’s obviously the main role that everyone will admire – or else! It’s always great fun to be booed! "

Simon Leary (Lance)

(The Pitmen Painters, Hound of the Baskervilles)

After doing last year's pantomime Mother Goose, I'm very excited to be returning to the world of panto - this time as Lance - The DOC Worker. What better way to spend a summer than with a bunch of crazy characters making silly jokes while singing and dancing? I just feel sorry for people who only get to see it once! 

Tom Truss (The Wolf)

(The Marvellous Adventures of Jack & Daisy, Immaculate)

Coming from the USA (I arrived in NZ in 2012), this is my first time doing or seeing a panto and it is infinitely more fun and fabulous than I thought it would be. I laugh more each time I see it so I think everybody should see it at least twice - if not thrice ; )

Red Riding Hood runs until 21 December, and then returns in the New Year 2-10 January. Performances before Christmas are already selling out, so book soon! www.circa.co.nz / 801-7992

Photos by Stephen A'Court.

The Grand Dame of the Circa Pantomime

This week on drama on the waterfront, Gavin Rutherford, who will don the dress for the 5th time this year as Grandma Hood in Red Riding Hood, takes us down memory lane of his time as Dame.

Photo by Stephen A'Court.

This year for the famous Circa Christmas Pantomime, we are remounting Roger Hall’s Red Riding Hood. This was the first pantomime that I appeared in at Circa back in 2008. I played the bad guy, Sir Roger Bounder. The amazing and hilarious Julian Wilson was Grandma Hood and I have large happy memories of crying with laughter at his inventiveness and skill in the rehearsal room and on stage. Julian then moved up to Auckland with his beautiful wife and have lived happily ever after (as is fitting).

Robin Hood rehearsals started the next year with me, wig in hand and up to my knees in a frock (to be factually correct it reached a little higher). Robin Hood was full of the usual Roger Hall hilarity and I loved that the two quintessential English heroes (Robin Hood and Maid Marian) were played by the incredibly talented and proudly Maori, Jamie McKaskill and Kali Kopae. I was very nervous stepping into the Dame’s shoes on opening night, but with love and help from Susan Wilson and Paul Jenden (and even some great words of support from Jennifer Lal (it hasn’t happened since)) AND with a script close at hand at the side of the stage AND with Michael Nicholas Williams giving me every trick in the book I managed to get through it and experience the true meaning of sweat. In the end I had to fall in love with a large blue Viking dragon thing. I should have chosen Jeff Kingsford Brown (who played the evil Sherriff) but sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them too.

Aladdin was a reworking of a very successful season in which Julian Wilson played Widow Twankey. I had to have a different costume and I am a few sizes larger than Mr Wilson. His corset would not have covered much. Richard Chapman was our Aladdin and Jessica Robinson was Princess Jasmine. My daughter Mikayla was now becoming accustomed to the pantomime and after watching an early rehearsal, promptly fell in love with Jessica’s princess. Nick Dunbar was the villain of the piece and was lithe and ridiculous and all round excellent. One time, at panto, he was bending me over a bench in front of two hundred people and I couldn’t find the magic lamp (a rather important prop). I had to leave him onstage and (whilst shouting such helpful things like “It’s not in the toiiileeet”) madly search backstage. After a minute I had to give up and go back onstage, very white faced (more so than usual) and try to improvise a way out! Luckily enough Richard Chapman had found the lamp and it came sliding out onto the stage to many laughs and gasps of relief from us. As a side note to this season, Sir Ian McKellen (who once famously played Widow Twankey) came to see a show. We were all very nervous. As I started singing my first song I saw a tall elderly man in a pink cardigan elegantly walk down the aisle of the theatre and leave the auditorium. He never came back. He probably just realised he’d seen it before or something, ay. (uncomfortable pause)

Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Cinderella was actually my first pantomime, but I originally did it Dunedin when the fat ugly sister was named Obetia. Roger Hall has now changed it to the more politically neutral, Bertha. I remember on the opening night in Dunedin doing a big high kick during a number and one of my delicate little jazz slippers flying off into the audience. I thought, “Oh no. They’ll think it was a mistake” (which of course it was), so I decisively kicked my other slipper off. I was shoeless until interval. That was a trick for young players! Lesson learned. At Circa my sister was the hilarious Jon Pheloung. It was great to have someone to bounce off literally and figuratively. Our ‘other’ sister was Chelsea Bognuda (an even bigger girl crush for Mikayla) who was a charming and talented Cinderella. This pantomime was marked mostly by the great Johnny Wraight and his amazing sailing skateboard (it made the 6 o clock news one night) and by jumping off the diving platform outside Circa between shows one hot sunny day. I had had enough after one leap! It is a bigger fall than it looks. Our esteemed stage manager Eric Gardiner (all of 70 years old) jumped off twice!

Mother Goose was the first pantomime written by Michele Amas and one of my favourites. I loved how brave she was to have an openly gay and fully accepted family member character in what was already a very camp show. Simon Leary was fantastic in the role and trying to keep up with the improvisational comic talents of him and the wonderful Kathleen Burns, was a challenge and a joy every night. I was thrilled that we received no complaint letters about Simon’s character. Can’t beat Wellington on a good day!

Mother Goose was our first pantomime at Circa that Paul Jenden wasn’t a very committed member of the rehearsals room, production team and creative drive. Rest in peace Paul.

Red Riding Hood. Full circle? No wonder I am dizzy. As I write this we are just about the head into production week. The show is in excellent. Simon Leary is making me laugh so much it hurts. Awhimai Fraser is the sweetest Red Riding Hood with an incredible voice. Carrie Green is all curls and pouting. Patrick Davies is brilliant with physical comedy and his timing is immaculate. Jane Waddell and Jonathon Morgan are the perfect clown duo. And Tom Truss? Let’s just say Bring on the Full Moon!

Mother Goose: On Writing a Panto

For the first blog post of 2014, Mother Goose playwright Michele Amas tells drama on the waterfront about her experience writing a pantomime.

On Writing a Panto

By Michele Amas    

I know from my experience as an actor that pantomime performers are extremely versatile, far more versatile than I am as an actor. They sing and dance, they clown, they mimic, etc. as well as act. Knowing what they are capable of meant there was an unlimited scope for what I would like them to do performance wise. At times when writing the panto I would be relieved to think - well I won’t be in this show, so these quick changes of costume, etc won’t be my problem. Having said that there is nothing I have written that I know the actors can’t do. Actors love challenges so it’s fun to write with that in mind.

(left to right) Lyndee-Jane Rutherford, Kathleen Burns, Gavin Rutherford. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Panto is different from other types of plays and other types of rehearsals. There is more direct input from the cast and it is fascinating to watch how they interpret and expand the roles from within the script. There seems to be more flexibility demanded of the writer. You have to be as relaxed about the process as you can. You have to allow the actors to play with what you have written, the important thing is for them to own it and keep it fresh. There’s more audience interaction demanded in panto so actors need to be good improvisers too, and if you have good improvisers in your cast it would be counterproductive for the writer to get too dogmatic about the script.

(left to right) Simon Leary, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford, Richard Osborne. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

The challenge I set myself was to create a theatre piece that served both children and adults, to be playful with the physicality and comic business, and also with the words, puns, double entendre, jokes etc. To have a strong storyline with all the twists and turns and drama you’d expect to see from any play and for that to be combined with songs and catchy music. I wanted it to be contemporary and have topical references to Wellington and have political shots across the bow that our audiences enjoy while still retaining the classical aspects of pantomime such as the dame of course.

MICHELE AMAS  -  Playwright

Michele Amas is an award winning actress and writer. Originally from Dunedin she graduated from The New Zealand Drama School, Toi Whakaari in the 80s and has been a professional actress ever since. Michele was worked throughout NZ  as an actor and director in theatre and television. Most recently seen at Fortune Theatre, Dunedin in Calendar Girls, Circa Theatre in Wellington in Peninsula and August Osage County, in which she won Best Actress in the Chapman Tripp Awards. Other productions include Joyful and Triumphant, The Clean House, Blood Wedding and Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll for which she won Best Supporting Actress. She also won Best Supporting Actress for Mammals and Best Actress for The Herbal Bed.

She has an MA in creative writing from Victoria University where she was awarded the Adam Prize for her portfolio 2005. Her first book of poetry After the Dance  was nominated for a Montana Book Award in 2007, and was shortlisted for that years Prize in Modern Letters.

Her poems have been published in Sport 33, online in Turbine and in Best New Zealand Poems 2005, as well as Sport, Bravado, Kaupapa global issues anthology 2007, Pacific Coast Review and the Iowa Review, Landfall, The best of the best anthology 2011, 4^th floor, prize winner in the Casleberg Trust poetry competition 2011  Her short film ‘Redial’ that she wrote and directed was in competition in the 2002 Venice Film festival She also writes for the theatre and has had stories played on National Radio.

Mother Goose runs in Circa One until 11 January - to book, visit www.circa.co.nz or call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992.

Meet the Cast of Mother Goose!

Meet the talented cast of Mother Goose - The Pantomime!

Gavin Rutherford  (Mother Goose)

(Aladdin - The Pantomime, The Price)

“I'm looking forward to this fantastic summer of pantomime. This year's cast is fantastic and with a fresh look at the writing and music, I'm sure there will a fabulous time had by all in Nurseryville! I'm looking forward to trying to keep up with the talented young newcomers - Kathleen Burns, Simon Leary and Richard Osborne. They bring a wild array of amazing humour, improvisation, singing and creativity to our panto world. Grab a Christmas group and I'll meet you down at the chicken farm!!”

Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Lucy the Goose)

(Cinderella – The Pantomime, Grumpy Old Women (tour))

“It's wonderful to be playing Lucy Goose. I'm having fun in the rehearsal room doing my best panto comedy goose interpretations. It's been lovely to experience the laughter in the rehearsal room as I run around honking and goosing."

Kathleen Burns (Jill)

(Grease (Court), Avenue Q (Fortune) )

"The rehearsal room is delightful madness... A promise of magical show ripens... This is a pantomime for all who want a good giggle this summer so don't miss out! Book now, I'll see you at the bar after."  

Jude Gibson (Marjory Daw / Count)

(Red Riding Hood – The Pantomime, The Price )

“This truly is a pantomime for everyone - no matter what your age, your gender, your persuasion - there's something for EVERYONE!!!  Come and join in the antics, the fun, the laughter, the adventure, and the love!!!!  A great cast brings a brand new panto from the pen of Michele Amas to the Circa stage for the first time!  Come and be a part of panto history in the making!”

Simon Leary (Simon)

(Mates and Lovers (Downstage), Chekhov in Hell)

“With original music, a witty contemporary script and a talented cast of actors, Mother Goose is gonna be a dream summer job for me, and a great night out for audiences.”

Richard Osborne (Jack)

(Public Service Announcement (Bats), Mancub (Basement Ak))

“Growing up in England, a visit to the Pantomime was as much a part of Christmas as decorating the Christmas tree or building a snowman. The thrill of venturing out on a  blustery winters day to witness the spectacle of the Panto has never left me; now it's my honour to share the magic, awe and wonder I felt as a child with a cool Kiwi crowd in the capital.”

John Wraight (Squire Diddly Squat / Henchman)

(Cinderella – The Pantomime, Robin Hood - The Pantomime)

“It is so cool to be in yet another panto at Circa. The tradition keeps growing wonderfully with each show.  Mother Goose is shaping up beautifully with some great characters and lovely vibrant music. I always feel like it's the fun end of the year when the pantomime comes around. Bring it on!?”

Michelle Scullion (Musical Director & musician)

"Back in the 70s I was in my first Pantomime - Pinocchio - back then I played The Cricket, Frog, Bird, Tight-rope Walker, and The Fairy. In Mother Goose I play the keyboard, Cabassa, Alto Flute, Computer, Tambourine and a whole range of other "Hitty" things. For me, Pantomime is LOFFASOTS - Loads of Fun From All Sides of The Stage!!!!!  Great team, fantastic production - heaps of laughs - what else is a Pantomime mean to be?”

Mother Goose opens on 16 November and runs until 22 December, reopening for a short post-holiday season 2-11 January. There will be $25 tickets specials on Friday, 15 November and Sunday, 17 November. An audio described performance will take place on Sunday, 15 December. To book, visit www.circa.co.nz or call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992.

Cinderella, the Pantomime: In-depth with the Fairy Godmother

Cinderella's Fairy Godmother takes time from her busy pre-pantomime schedule to answer a few questions for drama on the waterfront.

What's the best thing about being a Fairy Godmother?
It's very rewarding making Cinderella's life a bit better. She has such a hard life. 

What's the worst thing about being a Fairy Godmother?
I can only change little things. I can't change people's choices so it's frustrating for me to not be able to end the terrible things in the world. 

Where do you go out in Wellington?
It's actually really annoying going out as every second person wants me to wave my wand. Plus, alcohol goes straight to my wings. 

Do you know Father Christmas?
Not really. We say Hello up in the clouds sometimes but we're both very busy people so there's not really much time for conversation. 

Do Fairies have meetings?
We don't have meetings as such but we do congregate during inter island travel at the Fairy Terminal. 

Do you have a boyfriend?
No, I'm too busy, but I did have a brief relationship with the Wizard of Christchurch but the long distance thing made it difficult.

What's your favourite food?
Anything with a lot of fibre is good for Fairies as it's useful for takeoff and gives us the lightness to remain in the air. 

Is it cool being able to fly?
Before humans learnt to fly it was a lot easier as now there is so much traffic in the sky.  And planes, rockets and space shuttles can do a lot of damage to a wee Fairy like myself. They're pretty noisy though so I just get out of the way when I hear them coming. 

Do you like doing the Pantomime?
It is an absolute joy for a Fairy Godmother to spend so much time with children and their families. It makes my wand twinkle to see so many people in the audience laughing and having a happy time.

Cinderella, the Pantomime opens on Saturday, 17 November and runs until 23 December, returning after Christmas for a two week season 2-12 January. There are still tickets available for the $25 Preview on Friday, 16 November but the $25 Special on Sunday, 18 November has SOLD OUT. To book, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz.

Robin Hood: Tonnes of Puns

Robin Hood, the Pantomime is back to kick start the New Year at Circa. Actor John Wraight tells DOTW about his multiple characters, the rest of the cast and what audiences can expect from the 2011 season.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the role(s) you play in Robin Hood?

JW: I play Peasant, Abbot Costello, Little John and King Richard. They have all turned out to be very different folk, and it is such fun to explore their different characteristics. Even as the season goes on I love finding out more about them, and an audience really helps, as you can really hear when your character strikes a chord. It is such an ensemble, team-feel in the cast and I love the teamwork in passing the “story ball” around.

(left to right) Jane Waddell and John Wraight (as Abbott Costello). Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: How many Circa pantomimes have you been in?

JW: This is my second panto and I sure hope it’s not my last!

DOTW: What can you tell us about the pantomime experience? How does it differ from performing in other plays?

JW: Pantos are very similar to other plays but the big difference is that you can get away with – and relish – extreme ham! You still have to do a serious amount of work to get such a fun result.

(left to right) Gavin Rutherford, John Wraight (as Peasant) and Gerald  Bryan. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: What is the rehearsal process like for a show like this?

JW: As above, lots of hard work making things connect and of course all the singing and dancing – a great workout though, I love it!

DOTW: What can you tell us about the rest of the cast?

JW: We have a fantastic, experienced and talented cast, all bringing great skills and humour. This is one of the happiest casts I’ve worked with, it will be sad when it’s all over.

(left to right) Jamie McCaskill and John Wraight (as Little John). Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: Robin Hood ran for a full season before Christmas, and is now returning for two weeks to celebrate the New Year. Does the spirit of the show change at all from pre to post holidays?

JW: One show to shake off the Christmas cobwebs, and then we are back like we’ve never been away!


DOTW: Finally, what can audiences expect from Roger Hall’s Robin Hood?

JW: Audiences can expect a great show, full of surprises and great puns, tonnes of puns in fact, which I love. There’s heaps for all ages, the songs are great; my own kids spontaneously break into songs from the show all the time. It’s always great to hear some real belly laughs from our audiences.

Robin Hood, the Pantomime returns for a short season, 4-15 January. Get your tickets before they're gone! Call the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz. 

Organized Chaos: Robin Hood, the Pantomime

A veteran of Circa pantomimes, Michael Nicholas Williams takes a break from his work on Robin Hood to tell drama on the waterfront about the musical side of the panto experience.

DOTW: First of all, please tell us a little bit about the music in Robin Hood. 

MNW: A mix of show tunes, 70s ballads and hey-nonny-nonny madrigals.

Jane Waddell and John Wraight in Robin Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: How many of the Circa pantos have you been a part of?

MNW: I’ve written the music and been Musical Director for all 6.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the pantomime experience?

MNW: I get to giggle a LOT.  It’s nice doing a show that makes people happy - instant gratification!

DOTW: What is like composing music for a pantomime? Does the process differ at all from composing for other shows?

MNW: I think I approach it the same way as other shows…  But in panto-land, if I drift towards cheesy-ness I tend to linger a little longer.  What I enjoy most is finding the music for the underscoring - which part of a song becomes a character’s theme, or how can I arrange this jolly tune so that it’s dangerous and threatening?    

Also I enjoy adopting a different style of music. For example, Aladdin had (quasi) middle-eastern music (which to tell the truth was nearer to Fiddler on the Roof…), Jack and the Beanstalk was country and Dick Whittington was Music-Hall.

(left to right) John Wraight (on ground), Jeff Kingsford-Brown, Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae in Robin Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: What is your favourite Circa panto memory? 

MNW: At the moment I’m enjoying my 4 bars of fame at the end of Act 1 - then the bastards tell me to shut up!  I look forward to the gooey romantic ballads, and the Dames always make me laugh - you never know what’s going to happen.

DOTW: How does Robin Hood compare to the earlier pantos?

MNW: I think that’s like asking me which one of my children I love most… 

DOTW: Finally, what can audiences expect from Robin Hood? 

MNW: Organised chaos.

Gavin Rutherford and Jamie McCaskill in Robin Hood. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Robin Hood, the Pantomime runs until 23 December, and then returns in 2011 for a two week season, 4-15 January. Tickets are going fast, get yours by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or going online at www.circa.co.nz. 

Celebrate Christmas at Robin Hood!

Bring your group of merry men or women to see Robin Hood and enjoy a specialty platter before, at interval or after the show.

The Friar Tuck (savoury)

The Maid Marian (sweet)

The Mother Hood (full dessert)

All are just $12.50 per person, not including ticket price. For more information, call Cara Hill, Audience Development Director, at 801-8137 or by email at carah@circa.co.nz.

A good time with your family: Robin Hood

After delighting audiences throughout the country (including a season at Circa earlier this year) and around the world in He Reo Aroha, Jamie McCaskill returns to Circa to take the title role in Roger Hall’s Robin Hood, the Pantomime. He tells drama on the waterfront all about what it’s like to play that “good fulla” Robin Hood.

DOTW: Most of us know the classic story of Robin Hood – has anything changed in the pantomime version of it?

JM: All the typical characters are there apart from one of my favourites, Will Scarlett. We’re made outlaws because of the evil Prince John.  The Sheriff of Nottingham collects taxes, Robin falls in love with Maid Marian and he splits an arrow at the archery contest. That’s all there but I’m pretty sure that Robin Hood’s mother hasn’t featured this much in any other version of Robin Hood. This will definitely get the record for the most times “Nonny nonny no” has ever been said in a Robin Hood story, and the sheriff has a pet viking called Thor.

DOTW: The last time you were at Circa, you starred with Kali Kopae in He Reo Aroha. Now you’re back and starring together in Robin Hood – how would you describe/compare each experience?

JM: He Reo Aroha was a huge creative process for Kali and myself which made the experience of that show a lot more personal to us. Being in Robin Hood is relaxing in a way that we can keep it at arms length, we can have fun with it, we put in the hard work, but we’re not being effected by the pressure of presenting our own kaupapa in regards to story telling. We’re just enjoying being actors solely and putting 100% into that and bringing Roger’s script to life.

DOTW: How does it feel to play the title character, Robin Hood? What do you think of him?

JM: It’s pretty cool. I’m having a lot of fun and Sue gives us a lot of freedom in regards to working out our characters. Robin seems to be a bit of a good fulla who cares about the people. He likes singing and fighting in the bush. He doesn’t know what an orange is and he is an exceptional archer. What more can I say? I want to be him.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the rest of the cast?

JM: Loving working with Gavin Rutherford and Jeff Kingsford-Brown again, they’re cracking me up. I’m working with people who have years of experience in the craft so I sit there and watch how they work then steal their tricks. Weird thing is, Gavin seems to sing in an American accent. It’s just bizarre.

DOTW: What is the rehearsal process like for a show like this?

JM: It’s extremely frustrating until I get over myself.

DOTW: What can audiences expect from Roger Hall’s Robin Hood?

JM: They can expect a fast-paced, witty script with accessible humour. Crack up performances by actors I look up to, Kali Kopae singing beautifully, a smiling Michael Williams whose music you will be singing when you leave the theatre, and a good time with your family.

Nga mihi ki a koutou katoa

Robin Hood opens 13 November and runs until 23 December, returning in the New Year for a two week season, 4-15 January. Tickets are available by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or going online at www.circa.co.nz. 

Celebrate the holidays with Robin Hood! Bring your family or a group of friends to the panto and enjoy a pre-show platter or dessert at Wharfside Restaurant. Platter (sweet or savoury) or dessert packages cost just $12.50 per person (beverages additional), on top of the ticket price. For more information, contact Audience Development Director Cara Hill at 801-8137.

Wharfside Restaurant

Wharfside and Circa offer an exciting taste of what Wellington’s food and theatre scene can offer under one roof. Wharfside Restaurant, previously known as Circa Bistro & Bar, has provided a restaurant service at Circa Theatre for over 15 years. Set in the conservatory-like area of Circa Theatre overlooking the waterfront, Wharfside Restaurant has picturesque views of the harbour.

Q & A WITH THE OWNERS/DIRECTORS:

Dee Ryan and Martin Halliday

MARTIN HALLIDAY
Q. What is your background?

A. I have been in the industry for almost 25 years now. I received the base of my experience at high quality establishments such as the Park Royal, and management of operations such as Arena Night Club. I have worked in many areas of hospitality including setting up of restaurants and bars for enterprises such as Hatters “the Diner”, and Arizona Bar. I have also owned my own hospitality based business, “The Function Co-ordinators” which supplied front-of-house operations and hireage equipment for events, corporate functions and weddings.

Q. Tell us about your involvement with Circa Theatre.

A. I have been with Circa since 1995, just after they moved to Taranaki Street, when I made the decision to set up a restaurant for their theatre patrons. I started with a very basic bistro style operation and have built it up over the years to be, I believe, a fine quality restaurant. I have had the added complication of having to run the restaurant in a way that not only provides a great dining experience but also takes into account the fact that a good percentage of our clientele are attending the theatre and therefore I needed to find the balance between the patrons feeling like they have had a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience and the efficiency needed to get them to the show on time.

Q. What are some of your most poignant memories from your time at Wharfside Restaurant?

A. I have had a lot of fun over the years, with some great after parties for the Chapman Tripp Awards. I’ve worked with some great people and it has been wonderful to watch them mature and move into other careers, a lot of them related to theatre. I’ve also enjoyed the relationship built with many of our regular clients and corporate sponsors over the years and the many varied and interesting functions we have had. My time as Father Christmas at a recent function was rather amusing.

Father Christmas at Circa

Q. Do you have a favourite Circa show?

A. I’ve enjoyed all the shows I’ve seen at Circa. I’m not really a thespian, but I find all the productions top notch and very professional. Some that have stood out for me are Grant Tilly’s one man show, C’mon Black, the Beat Girls stage show and Paul Jenden’s Fairy Stories. I have had a great time taking the kids to the Christmas Pantos, which are always vibrant and an interactive experience for the kids.

DEE RYAN
Q. What is your background?

A. I have only been involved in the hospitality industry for the last three years. Before that I worked for approximately 15 years for a Lower Hutt Law firm after which the opportunity arose for me to change my career path and I took a position as a Diversional Therapist in a local elderly care centre. This work was exceptionally rewarding but due to the fact that I relocated, I could not continue in this position because of the required travel. Martin needed someone to help manage the administration side of the restaurant and so I decided to get involved in the business at that stage.

Q. What is your role at Wharfside?

A. As I said, I became involved in what was then Circa Bistro and Bar about 3 years ago now. I was largely involved in the rebranding of Circa Bistro & Bar to Wharfside Restaurant including new brand logo, menus, signage, advertising and marketing. I am also involved in the day-to-day administration of the business. You may catch me helping out at the odd corporate function but most of my work is behind the scenes.

Q. What are some of your most poignant memories from your time at Wharfside Restaurant?

A. A great memory for me is when I dressed up as Snow White for a kids Christmas function for the pantomime. You can’t beat the feeling that the innocence and adoration of children gives you. They really believed I was Snow White and you could see their faces light up when they saw me and asked if they could have a photo or a hug.

Snow White and Cinderella at Circa

We ran the Breeze Radio Station Chardonnay Club at Wharfside for about 18 months which was a lot of fun for me and my friends. I was a member of the Chardonnay Club before it moved to Wharfside and felt extremely proud hearing the great comments from my friends and other Breeze members who really enjoyed the experience of having their club held at Wharfside.

Q. Do you have a favourite Circa Show?

A. Some of the shows I have seen at Circa have been exceptional and all are very professionally done. I especially enjoyed The 39 Steps, which was an amazingly funny and high energy production. It is a hard task to make an audience laugh nowadays but this show certainly had everyone in stitches. Another show I really enjoyed, was Who Wants to be 100? This really struck a chord for me after having worked in the elderly care sector. The actors were absolutely brilliant and performed flawlessly, the behaviours and mannerisms of elderly rest home patients.

PREVIOUSLY AT CIRCA & WHARFSIDE

Circa and Wharfside have been involved in planning and managing a variety of gatherings, including: Hairy MacLary book launch, corporate seminars and cocktail evenings, Breeze Chardonnay Club, Youth Group Evenings, and a kids-themed Christmas party with Cinderella and Snow White.

Corporate Event

Chardonnay Club

NEXT UP

In a future blog, our chef will reveal one of his favourite recipes so you can have a go at preparing it home.

JOIN US AT WHARFSIDE

Wharfside offers a relaxed environment with first rate dining, excellent service and have an exclusively NZ wine list. We invite you to check out the Circa website under “Restaurant” to view all aspects of our operation including our menu, packages, corporate entertainment, tips, information on our Manager and Chef, and how to go about making a booking. We hope to see you there soon.

Book your next dinner or pre-theatre event at Wharfside Restaurant by calling 801-7996.