This October, Tadpole Productions presents The Surprise Party, a comedy by award winning playwright Dave Armstrong (Spin Doctors, Niu Sila, Kings of the Gym) on at The Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna from October 8 –18.
As election fever escalates in New Zealand, The Surprise Party is a madcap take on politics, MMP and the political relationships that exist in New Zealand today.
A high energy comedy about an incompetent political party hoping to survive another election, starring beloved actor, director and writer, Alison Quigan (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Madam) as Kerry, alongside one of New Zealand’s most experienced actors, Stephen Papps (Pike River, Happiness, Crackhead) who plays Doug. The ensemble cast features actors Brayden Cresswell, Shauntelle Jones, Ben Porter and Chloe Thomsen.
Doug Morris (Stephen Papps) is the sole MP for the POP Party. He only owes his popularity to the fact that his father was an All Black and his Mum was once Miss New Zealand. When he and his bumbling party members gather for the Election night results, they’re in for some huge surprises!.
“We’re stuck with a Transport Minister who can’t drive; a union bully bus driver as potential Foreign Minister and an ex-service station attendant who won’t use the internet running the economy.”
Former Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director Colin McColl ONZM. who boasts a long career in Television, Opera and Theatre performance and direction, both locally and internationally, brings his extraordinary Directorial skills to the stage this October.
With modern day politics feeling more like a satire on itself, The Surprise Party takes a swipe at idealistic, uncompromising and increasingly humour-resistant factions.
In the current world climate, over the top political antics are sadly increasingly mainstream, but the play is a reminder that in this divided age we have more similarities than differences, regardless of our party preferences, and we are all only human. Enabling compromise is the only solution.
And we can – and should – always share a laugh. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Cast:
Alison Quigan – Kerry
Stephen Papps – Doug
Brayden Creswell – Sam
Shauntelle Jones – Alisi
Ben Porter – Leon
Chloe Thomsen – Zoe
Creative Team:
Playwright – Dave Armstrong
Director – Colin McColl
Set Design – John Parker
LX & Sound – Gareth Evans and Geoff Evans
Costume – Robyn Fleming
The Surprise Party by Dave Armstrong
Thursday, October 8 until Sunday, October 18
*Preview performance Wednesday, October 7
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
Bookings at the PumpHouse Theatre
www.pumphouse.co.nz
or phone (09) 489-8360
