STELLAR CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER 3 May – 7 JuneA historic moment for New Zealand theatre: The Court Theatre’s grand openingIn just six weeks, New Zealand theatre will witness an extraordinary milestone!
The Court Theatre, the country’s largest producing theatre company, is set to open the doors to its brand-new home in Ōtautahi Christchurch. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the theatre will stage a classic Kiwi play by one of our most cherished playwrights, featuring a stellar line-up of talent eager to be part of this historic event.
Bruce Mason’s seminal work, The End of the Golden Weather, will officially open on 3May preceded by a special gala performance on 2 May — marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The Court Theatre after 14 years in a “temporary” space.
Considered a major milestone in our storytelling history, the award-winning play follows Boy, a youngster who believes in miracles. He sees them every day on the beach where he lives in this last perfect summer of his childhood. Despite his father’s warnings, Boy becomes friends with Firpo – a strange, skinny, magical character with a burning ambition to win the Olympic Games. His world is about to be turned upside down when suddenly it dawns on him that summer is fleeting and – like his childhood – it is coming to an end. A legendary cast led by Sir Ian Mune Headlining this remarkable production is none other than Sir Ian Mune, a long-time friend of the late Bruce Mason and the director of the award-winning 1991 film adaptation of The End of the Golden Weather —a pivotal milestone in bringing our stories to life on stage and screen.
Sir Ian, an acclaimed actor, writer, director, producer, and mentor, will take on the role of Narrator in this ground-breaking season at The Court Theatre. With a career spanning more than six decades, he has played a crucial role in shaping New Zealand’s film and theatre landscape. His long-time collaboration with Roger Donaldson led to Sleeping Dogs—a film credited with kickstarting New Zealand’s cinematic renaissance. He also co-wrote Goodbye Pork Pie and made his directorial debut with the beloved 1985 classic, Came A Hot Friday.
Sir Ian’s Once Were Warriors sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, won nine of its 13 New Zealand Film Awards in 1999 and more recently, his documentary Billy T: Te Movie—a heartfelt tribute to one of his earliest creative partners—became the top-grossing New Zealand release of 2011.
Having received numerous accolades throughout his career, Sir Ian was knighted in 2024, adding to a distinguished list of honours, including an OBE in 1991 for services to film and theatre. His contributions continue to shape and celebrate Australasian culture. A talented ensemble castJames Kupa (Ngāti Kahungunu) will play the pivotal role of Boy. Audiences will remember his brilliant performance as Hercule Poirot in The Court Theatre’s sold-out production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express last year. His credits include Frankenstein, The Girl on the Train, A Streetcar Named Desire (Circa Theatre), and Dungeons & Comedians (Little Andromeda). On television, he has appeared in The Brokenwood Mysteries, Agent Anna, and Nothing Trivial.
Joining the cast is Mark Hadlow ONZ, one of New Zealand’s most prolific actors. Fresh from the sold-out season of MAMIL 2: GOMIL (Grumpy Old Man In Lycra), Mark has also been entertaining audiences for over four decades. His impressive credits include Peter Jackson’s King Kong and The Hobbit trilogy, as well as Mr & Mrs Macbeth of Heathcote Valley Road, with director Lara Macgregor, at The Court Theatre last year.
From acting royalty, Anna McPhail—daughter of the late David McPhail—joins the ensemble. Her theatre credits include Proof, King Lear, Hamlet, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.
Celebrated playwright and actor Gregory Cooper (MAMIL, GOMIL) also stars, alongside Sela Faletolu-Fasi (Fresh Off The Boat, Matai), Kathleen Burns (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Rent, Ladies Night), Reylene Hilaga (The Littlest Ninja, ThumbelinaAround the World in 80 Days) and Nick Tipa (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The World’s First Lovers, Romeo and Juliet). The Court Theatre’s Artistic Director joins the cast The final member of the ensemble is Dr Alison Walls, the Court Theatre’s own Artistic Director. A former company member of the New York theatre non-profit The Upstart Creatures, her directing and acting credits include Antony and Cleopatra (Wellington Summer Shakespeare), Henry V and As You Like It. Director Lara Macgregor says: “It is such an honour to be directing the first show in the new building. How often do you get to break in a brand-new purpose-built theatre? And one that houses the company you’ve been connected to for close to two decades? It was an early vision to cast actors who connect to the past, present and beyond of the Court and its history. We cannot wait to bring this beautiful coming-of-age New Zealand classic to life inside the stunning new landmark that is the Court Theatre.” A must-see theatrical event This highly anticipated production promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, celebrating New Zealand’s rich theatrical history and the resilience of The Court Theatre. Don’t miss the chance to witness this legendary cast bring Bruce Mason’s iconic story to life in a stunning new venue. Secure your tickets now and be part of history! Opening Night: 3 May 2025
Venue: The Court Theatre, 129 Gloucester Street, Ōtautahi Christchurch
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