Whirlwind Ride Through NZ History on Stage in Akld

STAMP at THE EDGE® presents

The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged)

8-18 March 2006

Preview: 7 March

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®

Written By: Craig Cooper, Greg Cooper and Carl Nixon

Director: Craig Cooper

Music: Hamish Oliver

Starring: Mark Hadlow, Greg Cooper, Ben Barrington

News Release – 23 January 2006

Whirlwind Ride Through NZ History on Stage in Auckland

Take a whirlwind ride through New Zealand’s history in under 100 minutes.

STAMP at THE EDGE® presents The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®, Auckland from March 7-18.

Written by Craig Cooper, Greg Cooper and Carl Nixon, The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) stars Mark Hadlow, Greg Cooper and Ben Barrington (Insider’s Guide to Happiness).

Described as an hilarious mad dash through more than 1000 years of New Zealand history in under 100 minutes, The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) was first staged in Christchurch in 1999 and toured the South Island for several years.

“It’s theatrically outrageous, historically inaccurate, and politically incorrect,” says co-writer and director Craig Cooper.

The metaphoric journey through New Zealand’s history covers everything from New Zealand’s tectonic formations to last night’s news; from Maui to Muldoon; from the Treaty to the motorcade.

“We’ve had to write a few more scenes to include things like the America’s Cup, Lord of the Rings, the Destiny Church and other important happenings in New Zealand history in the past five years.

“We wanted to present our country’s history in a distinctively kiwi style - with wit, irreverence, but also affection. Too many people try to hijack the past and make it something sacred that we shouldn’t play with. It’s like the locked china cabinet in your grandmother’s living room, full of the Wedgwood tea set that no one is allowed to use. Well, grandma’s out for the evening, we’ve stolen the keys, and a few plates are going to get broken before she gets back!”

The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) will also feature costuming by WORLDman who are creating exclusive garments for the season.

The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged) opens at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®, Auckland on Tuesday 7 March and runs until 18 March; Tuesdays 6.30pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays 8pm and Sundays 6pm. Book at Ticketek (09) 307 5000 or www.ticketek.co.nz.

ENDS

“A thousand years of New Zealand history told in a thousand flashes of humour.” – The Press

“…their A to Z of NZ was so fast paced that I was soon caught in a whirlwind of offbeat vignettes… and loving …every minute of it.” – NZ Listener

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