North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Navy celebrates
The Royal New Zealand Navy celebrates its 75th anniversary with comedy show.
Dubbed Operation Neptune, Auckland Live is marking the anniversary by sending two Navythemed plays on a nationwide tour.
The tour will arrive at the Bruce Mason Centre on September 16 and 17.
Actor and director Mark Hadlow teamed up with Kiwi playwright Gregory Cooper, to create two plays entitled: The Complete
History of the Royal New Zealand Navy Abridged and Commander Claire and the Pirates of Provence.
Whilst commonly recognised for his roles in King Kong and The Hobbit, few know that, off-screen, Hadlow is a part-time Naval Lieutenant Commander.
‘‘Being involved with the Navy since leaving school, I know how important it is to tell the story and the proud history of the Royal New Zealand Navy,’’ Hadlow says.
‘‘This is a lighthearted look at the history of our Navy. It’s funny, informative, poignant and moving.’’
Both plays are family friendly, but Commander Claire and the Pirates of Provence is specially tailored for children.
Auckland Live’s manager of programme development Georgina Cervin says she couldn’t believe her luck when the Royal NZ Navy offered a free children’s show.
‘‘The offer was too good to refuse,’’ Cervin says.
Watch The Complete History of the Royal New Zealand Navy Abridged, September 16 and 17, from 7pm at the Bruce Mason Centre. Prices are $20 or $25.
Commander Claire and the Pirates of Provence follows on September 17, shows at 11am and 2pm. Free entry.
Visit aucklandlive.co.nz.