Shows for Havelock, by Havelock
dramatic passions.
It’s a place where a small community of actors get together and perform to a community of patrons and peers.
The atmosphere is inclusive, the festivity always infectious.
The Havelock Theatre Company, in its 18 years, has produced 36 successful productions.
Pooling resources from the local Marlborough Sounds community, the company relies on the support of artists, vendors, and the odd encouraging ensemble of enthusiastic players from all ages and backgrounds.
This year, the very talented local artist and theatre playwright, Rick Edmonds has written and directed Pelorus Jack Up, a play about a local, albeit weary, sailing club based in the Marlborough Sounds that decides to put on a yacht race for the ‘‘world’s oldest sporting trophy’’ - a 19th century, and dubiously stained, chamber pot. Endeavouring to garner more attention from the outside world, the club invites a high profile Australian skipper, Jimmy Spittle (played by Pip Maslen), to race against the old, well-worn, local boat Saucy Sue, manned by Sid Leadbottom (played by Ian Cameron).
Rick says, back in the early days, they had a dream of having live theatre in Havelock.
‘‘We eyed up this theatre and hall back in 1999. This used to be an old picture theatre at the time,’’ he says. ‘‘There was the potential to restore it and transform it into a live theatre venue. So a few of us got together and started doing that.’’ It’s true the old building has never seen better days. From the beautifully varnished floor boards, to the wonderfully blue and gold colour trim around the proscenium arch.
‘‘Any funds that we raise we pour back into the theatre and the hall. We’ve done a whole lot to this place to make it what it is today,’’ Rick says.
‘‘We didn’t know if people were going to come. We had no idea if people would support live theatre or not. And that first show we got around 40 to 50 people a night. Which was, for us, pretty good. I mean we are out in Havelock. That was the big unknown. To see if people would support us.’’ And they haven’t looked back. ‘‘We like to think that we have tapped into something that is important to the culture of the town,’’ Rick says. ’’Those who audition for the shows know they are going to have a good time. And people who come to the shows know they are going to have a good time also.’’
Retired principal, and sailing enthusiast, Pip Maslen says this is first time he’s been a part of a production despite being an audience member for many years.
And you could certainly say Pip is made for his role as skipper. The man has sea salt in his veins.
‘‘Well, as a sailor, how could you turn the role down?’’ Pip says. ‘‘So I rung up the yacht club and said, ‘I will not be sailing for the rest of the series, I’m in a bloody play. Come and watch it’.’’
A salient feature of any given Havelock performance is the number of passionate school-aged performers taking part.
Rick says that being far from the main centre means it is important to offer a venue for local children wanting to have a go at treading the boards.
‘‘Marlborough has a strong a vibrant theatre, but most of that happens in town. So for the kids who want to get involved in the theatre, it’s a big ask for them to travel. And very early on we decided that we’d get the kids in our community involved in what we are doing.
‘‘Just to give them that exposure to live theatre.’’
Some of those youngsters have gone onto prestigious careers in the performing arts and television.
‘‘Many of the kids have gone onto careers in theatre. Some have gone as far as the Globe Theatre in London. There’s also a couple of professional actors now on television and we say, ‘Hey, they started in Havelock’. So that’s pretty neat.’’
Rick says the theatre culture in Havelock is all about having a good time while involving the audience. ‘‘I think the key for us is that we are having fun on stage, and people respond to that. And we are all just locals having a good time and people buy into that.’’
Exhibitions
‘Water, Water Everywhere - the Artists Take a Stand’ features works from Graham Bennett, Nigel Brown, Barry Cleavin, Bing Dawe, Fatu Feu’u, Gregory O’Brien and Wayne Seyb, commenting on the state of our rivers and harbours. The Diversion Gallery, Picton. Exhibition runs to election day, September 23.
‘aBsTrAcTiOn’ at Detour Gallery, an exhibition of oil paintings by Blenheim artist Cleonna Krista Hocquard-D’Aliessi, runs until October 12.
470 South - Rakiura - Five Artists on Stewart Island, Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim, until October 1.
Marlborough Arts Society presents an exhibition by life members. Opening and preview, Friday, Sept 22 from 6pm. Run from Sept 23 to October 3. Admission free, Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery, 204 High St, Blenheim.
Music
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Pianomania with Freddie Kempf, playing Handel, Mozart, Chopin, Mendelssohn and more. At the ASB Theatre on September 19. All ages.
Just Another Blues, Brian McNamara plays a mix of blues and folk. Tuesday, September 19, from 7.30pm, Pataka the Foodstore, $10.
Modern Maori Quartet presents That’s Us! Album Tour at the ASB Theatre on September 21 from 7pm, all ages.
Auckland-based band The DeSotos perform Americana country-blues at Le Cafe on Friday 22 September from 8.30pm, door sales $15.
The Seven Sopranos Brava Tour at the ASB Theatre on September 24, all ages.
Theatre
Period comedy Downton Adlib at the ASB Theatre on September 23, from 7.30pm, all ages.
Pelorus Jack Up: Havelock Theatre, September 14, 15, 16, 17 (matinee), 20, 21, 22 and 23. Cafe style seating, bring your own refreshments. Adults $20, seniors and students $15, children $10.
Upcoming
Marlborough Primary Schools’ Music Festival presents One For The Ages, a collection of memorable songs from Elvis Presley to Elton John. September 26, 27 and 28 at the ASB Theatre from 7pm.
A Doris Day Special at the ASB Theatre on October 16. Set in a Hollywood TV studio in 1971, America’s singing sweetheart Doris Day films a Television Special.
The Sound of Music at the ASB Theatre on October 23.
Isla Grant in Concert at the ASB Theatre on October 28.
Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies perform opera, jazz, classics and pop at the ASB Theatre on November 19.
Dance on Grove presents Shrek the Musical Jr. at the ASB Theatre from December 1 to 3.
Saturday Night Fever 40th Anniversary Tour at the ASB Theatre on December 12.
Back in 1999, the hall was an old picture theatre. Then a few people got together and breathed new life into her. Plus it’s been fun, as