Spring is here,
so excitement is building for our garden fundraiser. I grew up in Hawarden, not far from Penny Zino and her Flaxmere Garden. We have always remained friends, which makes it so special to be organising this event with her.
Penny is opening her garden in support of The Court Theatre’s new home in the city. Don’t miss this very special occasion that Penny has so generously offered to us.
Ngā mihi Annie Bonifant
The Friends of the Court Theatre warmly invite you to join us at Flaxmere Garden
Penny Zino’s garden in North Canterbury has been recognised as a 6-star "Garden of National significance" by the New Zealand Gardens Trust – an accolade it shares with other outstanding gardens such as the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
This garden, though, does not have scores of professional gardeners planting and maintaining it. Rather, it has been a labour of love for one family for more than 50 years.
Penny and John Zino started creating Flaxmere Garden back in 1966. The challenges that confronted them then are still constant threats, namely a harsh environment where extreme weather conditions such as wind, drought, snowfalls and late frosts can all wreak havoc on the garden. It is a testament, therefore, to the Zinos’ dedication over so many years that Flaxmere today is, without question, a world class garden.
Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, access to a fascinating panel discussion and a fabulous plant auction, all in the beautiful setting of a world-renowned garden.
Reliving the glory days of the Howard Morrison Quartet and Prince Tui Teka, The Māori Sidesteps deliver a fresh take on some familiar tunes, putting their own political spin on well-known songs, and entertaining with soulful harmonies and stand-up comedy.
"An entertaining, belly laughing, poignant, thought-provoking, serenading, sing-a-longy night." these "hard-case Māori fullas" will give you and your mates the best night out! - The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand
"...with mischief written all over their faces... they sing with both gusto and finesse." - Theatreview
The Court Theatre looks forward keenly to hosting these exciting performers from Thursday 22 September through to Saturday 8 October. Booking details on the theatre website and sneak peeks available on YouTube.
The Ryman Healthcare 2023 Season kicks off in February with a Jane Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, in an adaptation by comedian and actor Penny Ashton that brings out Austen’s humour.
In March, there’s a double bill: Rēwenaand Be Like
Billy. In Rēwena the audience is a maximum of 50 people who are all seated on stage in Maggie’s kitchen as she philosophises and demonstrates making bread whilst another story emerges about the neglected boy next door, her first student. Next up is Be Like Billy in which Rutene Spooner, as himself, examines his relationship to the legendary comedian Billy T. James.
In April, Cinderella by Greg Cooper restarts the children’s holiday show programme with an irreverent take on this familiar fairy tale.
In May, the New Zealand premiere of Appropriate opens. This award-winning comedy by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins features a raucous family fight fest as siblings uncover secrets while settling their father’s estate.
In June, Pulitzer Prize
winner Next to Normalopens. This is a ground-breaking rock musical featuring a story of a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder.
A child cast will bring Disney’s Frozen JR. to life on stage in July, including all the animated film’s songs plus five new ones for the Broadway production.
The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race in August features an hilarious
culture war caused by the prize money for men being more than for women. This show is based on real life events.
Also in August, The Court Youth Company will perform The Sweet Science of Bruisingwhich follows four Victorian women drawn into the world of underground competitive boxing.
Dance Nation in September captures the world of competitive kids' dance classes and the emotional lives of the characters.
For the spring school holidays there’s Te Kuia me te Pungawerewere(The Kuia and the Spider). This adaptation of the beloved children’s book features the debate over whose weaving is best - the kuia’s or the spider’s. The Friends’ committee is excited to announce that this show will be sponsored by Friends of the Court Theatre.
The Haka Party Incident in October resurrects the day in 1979 when a group of Auckland University engineering students rehearsing their annual mock
haka were challenged by an activist group, sending ripples through the nation.
The end of year summer musical for 2023 is Something Rotten! Two playwright brothers feature in a hilarious struggle to compete with William Shakespeare, as they strive to write the world’s first musical.
Friends of the Court will have an exclusive opportunity from 21-27 November to buy tickets to any show before they go on sale to the public.
Yes, it’s back! The Friends of The Court Quiz Night will be on Wednesday, 19th October at 7.30 pm in the theatre foyer.
You’re invited to assemble your team (up to 6 members) and register, preferably with a team name, by emailing davenjo@xtra.co.nz.
$20 per person is payable on the night, and there will also be also a multi-draw raffle (if you’d like to offer a prize, please let us know). The bar and coffee bar will be open and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings on offer. Questions will range over a variety of topics.
An enjoyable fun(d)raising evening is guaranteed so don’t delay registering, as these are always popular events.
