5th of February 2025
With the NZ Fringe Festival fast approaching this year, its time for a big post about all the shows that I’m involved in (and a quick shoutout to a few of my friends in the festival too).
First off, I’m performing in a couple of improv shows:
For the First Time is an improvised coming of age story, following a teen protagonist going through some kind of journey of discovery. This show is with the same crew that did “So.. you have kids? A high school reunion” last year, and is a group of improvisors and friends that I love dearly. We’ve had a lot of fun goofing around and exploring the kind of emotional journeys that happen at this stage in life.
Geesebumps is an improvised goosebumps story. (The R.L. Stine Horror anthology series from the late 90’s). But not just any goosebumps story, specifically one of the choose your own adventure stories. As our young protagonists begin to discover the horror in their neighbourhood, you the audience get to decide what they do next! Sometimes this may lead to a good outcome, and other times it may not... This show is also crewed by a new company, Outfox Improv, who I am very excited to be working with.
Next on the list are a couple of shows that I’m doing the lighting design and tech operating for:
Compromise is a collection of four short plays all written by pairs of playwrights that “explores the humour, tension, and creativity born from compromise”. The plays are a mixture of fun and goofy, political and serious. This is certainly one to come along to if you’re seeking a lot of variety within a single show.
Edit the Sad Parts is a play reading at Circa theatre. The play is written by Jack McGee, a close friend of mine, and might be my favourite script he has written (though it has tough competition with Boys and Girls at the Silent School Disco). Although this is a reading, the script itself has some fun and experimental elements that will be a delight to see live on stage for the first time!
Finally, the show I’m most excited for (and am sorting the tech for):
The Night is Always Darkest is a unique durational theatre show which is taking place between midnight and 7am. It is the brainchild of the brilliant Lia Kelly, whose previous work “One Night Band” is one of my favourite shows of all time. The show follows her experience in real time late at night as she struggles to sleep. While these hours may not suit everybody, we are also planning on streaming the show on both Twitch and Youtube.
While here, I’m also going to shout out a couple of other shows my friends are involved in:
I’m Proud of You is Austin Harrison’s latest solo improv show, where he plays your dad. He’ll have a yarn with you and tell you he’s proud of you, what more could you want?
Coro is Austin’s other show in collab with Ginge (Nina) of ginge and minge. A scripted show parody of coronation street performed by two improvisors? Nothing could possibly go wrong.
Entry: Encounter is the main attraction of Untitled Warehouse Project, a collaboration from a series of extremely talented designers. If you can’t make the main show, there’s also Entry: Exhibit and Entry: After Hours!
Tūī Girls is a show about grief and how we hold one another through it. Directed by the wonderful Alia, I’ve been told the show is a reminder to call your nan and catch up with your cousins for a sleepover, regardless of your age.
House of Ick is a sketch show by the wonderful Ginge and Minge. I don’t know exactly what’s in store but knowing these two and the title of the show… things are gonna get weird and gross.
Abridged-erton is an improvised show inspired by Bridgerton. I saw the tester at the Late Night Knife Fight, and the format is killer. Well worth dressing in your ball gown for.
Running Wet Through a Tunnel is a musical comedy about sperms journey to an egg, and the set is designed by my sister. Unfortunately, it’s on at the same time as my shows so I can’t see it… Go and support her for me!
The Afterdark Story Society is a collaboration by a series of talented comedians and improvisors. An immersive comedy horror storytelling show that’s sure to thrill!
