April 26, 2007

CLASSIC NZ PLAY TOURS NORTH ISLAND  

Classic New Zealand play The End of The Golden Weather takes to the road in May and June this year, performing in 13 centres throughout the North Island.

The End of the Golden Weather was written by New Zealand playwright Bruce Mason in 1951 and performed by Mason as a one-man show throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was adapted into an award-winning film by Ian Mune in 1971.

A new production of the play was staged last year in Auckland by 88 Degrees in the Shade and marked a return to the original one-man performance format. This new production directed by Mark Clare and produced by Graeme Bennett, featured former Neighbours star, and New Zealand actor, Stephen Lovatt.

Now, following a successful season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The End of The Golden Weather heads to Kerikeri, New Plymouth, Taumarunui, Stratford, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Hamilton, Wellington, Masterton, Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Tauranga, before returning for one show only at the Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna, Auckland.

Set in Takapuna in the 1930’s, The End of the Golden Weather tells the story of 12-year-old Geoff Crome who is looking forward to an idyllic seaside summer. He makes friends with Firpo, a strange character whose ambition is to enter the Olympic Games and who is challenged to a race against the locals.

Producer Graeme Bennett says the original three-hour play has been edited into a 70-minute script while maintaining its evocative language. "Modern culture in its advances has lost some of the joys of literature," Graeme says. "This is a tale told with a love of language – language to inspire and illuminate a history that should never be forgotten."

The End of the Golden Weather marked a return to the stage for actor Stephen Lovatt following three years playing Max Hoyland on Neighbours. Stephen trained at the New Zealand Drama School and has extensive experience in television, film and theatre in New Zealand and Australia.

The End of the Golden Weather North Island tour details:
10 May . . . . . . . Kerikeri – The Centre, 8pm
12 May . . . . . . . New Plymouth – Theatre Royal, 7pm
13 May . . . . . . . Taumaranui – Little Theatre, 5pm
15 May . . . . . . . Gisborne – Lawson Field Theatre, 8pm
16 May . . . . . . . Gisborne – Lawson Field Theatre, 1pm, 8pm
19 May . . . . . . . Hamilton – Clarence St Theatre, 8pm
20 May . . . . . . . Hamilton – Clarence St Theatre, 2pm
21 May . . . . . . . Stratford – Kings Theatre, 8pm  
22 May . . . . . . . Palmerston North – The Globe, 8pm
23 & 24 May . . . Wellington – Illott Theatre, 8pm
25 May . . . . . . . Masterton – Rathkeale College, 1.30pm
                              Greytown – Little Theatre, 8pm
26 May . . . . . . . Napier – Century Theatre, 8pm
27 May . . . . . . . Napier – Century Theatre, 2pm
30 May . . . . . . . Taupo – Great Lakes Centre, 8pm
31 May . . . . . . . .Rotorua – Civic Theatre, 8pm
1 June . . . . . . . . Tauranga – Baycourt, 8pm
2 June . . . . . . . . Tauranga – Baycourt, 2pm
3 June . . . . . . . . Auckland – BRUCE MASON CENTRE, 2pm