SILENT NIGHT
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Written and performed by Yvette Parsons Directed by Stephen Papps presented by Pandora Productions [1 hr] at Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Auckland From 13 Dec 2010 to 18 Dec 2010 Old Folks Association Hall, 8 Gundry St, Newton, Auckland From 7 Mar 2011 to 13 Mar 2011 Suter Theatre, Nelson From 14 Oct 2011 to 15 Oct 2011 16th Avenue Theatre, 174 16th Ave, Tauranga From 24 Oct 2011 to 25 Oct 2011 Assembly Room, Hawkes Bay Opera House, Hastings From 11 Nov 2011 to 12 Nov 2011 BATS, Wellington From 6 Dec 2011 to 10 Dec 2011 TAPAC Theatre, Western Springs, Auckland From 14 Dec 2011 to 18 Dec 2011 Turner Centre, Kerikeri 15 Jul 2012 The Riverbank Centre, Whangarei 19 Jul 2012 Reviewed by: Nik Smythe; Paul Simei-Barton (New Zealand Herald); Venus Stephens; Gail Tresidder; Leonie Hall (Nelson Mail); Michele McPherson (Bay of Plenty Times); Kirsty van Rijk; John Smythe; Laurie Atkinson (Dominion Post); James Wenley (Theatre Scenes - Auckland Theatre Blog); Craig Beardsworth (Capital Times); Mike Nettmann; Lindy Laird; |
APERITIFS, APPARITIONS AND ASPARAGUS ROLLS
With her tea trolley polished, Cameo Cremes on the cake stand and sherry glasses at the ready, Yvette Parson's intimate solo show Silent Night shuffles into the Musgrove Studio for seven shows only from December 13th 2010.
It's Christmas Day and an elderly Irene McMunn demonstrates her unusual and innovative cooking, shopping and festive decorating techniques while awaiting the arrival of her guests. In this time, Irene remembers stories of her past – the Tangiwai disaster, the effects it had on her and her family, the courtship and marriage of her late husband Len and her relationship with daughter Elaine.
She also regales about her special ability – she can receive messages from God. Confiding to her local priest about her ability, day by day the messages become regular and found in everyday items, such as the vision of the Virgin Mary in her Tip Top toast. If that wasn't enough to contend with, her cat “Monty” has gone missing!
Always quick to spot a souvenir sherry set, hand-made lace treasure or a right royal trinket, Parsons has collected an eclectic array of memorabilia for Silent Night - a story of loss, loneliness and stoic survival, laced with plenty of humour and a set full of nostalgic paraphernalia.
Developed as part of Auckland Theatre Company's First Draft workshop for playwrights in 2008. Creator of the piece is one of theatre's stalwarts, Yvette Parsons well recognized on stage with her performances in 2010's The House of Bernarda Alba at TAPAC and 2009's Entertaining Mr Sloane at Wellington' Circa Theatre, Parsons has also helped pen Gas alongside the likes of Thomas Sainsbury, Rina Patel and many more. Parson's is also set to play a key role in the upcoming Madeleine Sami comedy SuperCity.
Silent Night plays
13th – 18th December 2010, 8pm (additional 2pm performance on the 18th)
Musgrove Studio, 8 Alfred Street, Auckland
Tickets: $30 - $20
Bookings through The Maidment Theatre – 09 308 2383 or www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz
Running time: 60 minutes
Bats Season (Wellington)
6-10 December 2011, 7pm
2012 Tour Itinerary - AOTNZ
Sunday 15 July Kerikeri
Downstairs at the Turner Centre 7.30pm
$32 Adults; $27 Seniors; $5 Students (18 and under)
Book: 0800 200 411 www.centakeri.com
Tuesday 17 July Rawene
Town Hall, $15
Thursday 19 July Whangarei
The Riverbank Centre 7.30pm
$20 adult; $10 Student
Book: www.whangareitheatrecompany.org.nz and Whangarei Suit Hire
Friday 20 July Onewhero
The OSPA Theatre 8pm
$20 Book: River Traders Tuakau
Saturday 21 July Opunake
Opunake High School Hall 7.30pm
$20 Book: Pastimes or Egmont Community Arts Council 06 761 8789
Sunday 22 July Upper Hutt
Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre 2pm
$30 Adult; $25 Friends/concession; $100 for a 5 show season pass
Book: 04 527 2168 www.expressions.org.nz
Tuesday 24 July Takaka
The Playhouse in Park Avenue 7.30pm
$18 pre-booked; $20 on the door
Book: Paradise Video and Laundrette
Thursday 26 July Ashburton
Ashburton Trust Event Centre 7.30pm
$25 each; $22.50 for 2 or 3; $20 each for 4 or more; door sales all $25
Book: Event Centre Box office or www.ticketdirect.co.nz
Friday 27 July 7.30pm Oamaru
Oamaru Opera House
$30 Adult; Conc $25; Groups 10+ $20
www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 08004ticket
Saturday 28 July Cromwell
Lowburn Hall 7.30pm
$25 Adults; SuperGold $20; Student/Child $5
Book: Cromwell and Alexandra I-Sites
Sunday 29 July Arrowtown
Athenaeum Hall 7pm
$20 Book: Lakes District Museum
Tuesday 31 July Fairlie
Mackenzie Community Theatre 7.30pm
$20 Book: Heartlands Fairlie
Arts On Tour New Zealand
Arts On Tour New Zealand (AOTNZ) organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural and smaller centres in New Zealand. The trust receives funding from Creative New Zealand and liaises with local arts councils, repertory theatres and community groups to bring the best of musical and theatrical talent to country districts. www.aotnz.co.nz