Golden Boys Mixes Tragedy with Pop Music
Award-winning playwright Paul Rothwell was six-years-old when Theresa McCormack disappeared on her way to school. 15
years later her haunting presence on New Zealand's television screens, reignited by capture of her killer, provided the
inspiration for him to write his critically acclaimed play Golden Boys.
Golden Boys examines the affect a child's murder has on those left behind, following three children haunted by the
memory of a boy who set off for home and never arrived. Two of the children end up on a children's television variety
show, providing the opportunity for musical set-pieces and comedy to off-set the haunting theme of the drama.
The mix of tragic drama alongside pop music came as Rothwell worked on a supermarket check-out, listening to radio news
bulletins featuring the capture of McCormack's killer intermingled with pop tunes.
The play is being staged by the same team who turned Rothwell's Hate Crimes into one of 2005's theatre highlights, and
launches the rebranded Circa Two studio space. With director David Lawrence having won Director of the Year and
Production of the Year at the 2005 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for I.D., Golden Boys is guaranteed to kick-off the
theatre year in style.
The cast also features 2005 award-winners, with Best Supporting Actor Alex Greig and Best Female Newcomer Erin Banks
starring alongside Salesi Le'ota, Julian Wilson and Jack O'Donnell.
Golden Boys is showing at Circa Two from 26th January – 11th February (Tues-Sat 7.30pm , Sun 4.30pm). Tickets are
$18/$20 and can be bought from the venue, or booked via circa@circa.co.nz or 04 801 7992.
ENDS