The Lion in Winter

Press Release – 31 July 2008

www.ellerslietheatre.co.nz

Some cast members from The Lion in Winter. Left to right; Emma Routledge, Paul Norell (Lord of the Rings; River Queen; Hercules & Xena; Mercy Peak; Power Rangers), Jason Moffatt, Grant Waugh, Russell Golding.

SYNOPSIS
The aging and conniving King Henry II plans a reunion for Christmas in the year 1183 where he hopes to name his successor. He summons his scheming but imprisoned wife, his mistress, his three sons and the young and crafty King Phillip of France (the brother of his mistress). With the fate of King Henry's empire at stake, everyone engages in their own brand of deception and treachery to stake their claim to the throne.

REVIEW
“has more wit in every speech than some hit comedies have in an entire evening..”
Los Angeles Times

TRIBUTE SEASON – to David Cole (1936–2007)
David was working on producing, directing and acting in The Lion in Winter at the time of his death. He had selected the cast to appear and was in working with the award winning costume designer, Carol Evans. The original cast and crew members, as selected by David, were invited to appear in Ellerslie Theatrical Society’s production.
He worked for many years in the professional entertainment industry, firstly as an actor in the United Kingdom and America and subsequently as an administrative executive in a large cinema organisation in the United Kingdom. During the twenty years since the family came to live in New Zealand he worked as an actor in film and television and more recently both acted in, and directed plays for community theatre across Auckland. David was a founding committee member of the Variety Club of New Zealand (now known as Variety – the Children’s Charity) and was an integral part of the development and launching of Infinitely Children (www.infinetlychildren.co.nz), until his untimely death in May 2007.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR - Jocelyn McQuaid
In a theatrical career, of over 60 years, Jocelyn has worked with drama groups in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Timaru, Christchurch, Hastings and Auckland. A Life Member of Mairangi Players she acted and directed plays for them for 30+ years. For Ellerslie Theatrical Society she has played in The Importance of Being Earnest, The Reluctant Debutante, and Not Now Darling and directed the award winning My Three Angels and South Sea Bubble. The Lion in Winter has been on her Must Do list for many years and had, in fact, been discussed with the late David Cole as a future project. Alas this was not to be as David died suddenly last year while in the throes of planning his own production of the play.

PERFORMANCE DATES (all at 8pm except matinees on Sunday 24 and Saturday 30 August)
Tue Aug 19 – Press preview night Thu Aug 21 - opening gala (with bubbles & nibbles) Fri Aug 22
Sat Aug 23 Sun (Matinee) Aug 24 @ 2pm Mon Aug 25 – no performance
Tue Aug 26 Wed Aug 27 Thu Aug 28
Fri Aug 29 Sat (Matinee) Aug 30 @ 2pm Sat Aug 30 – final performance

BOOKINGS
Telephone 09 525 3336

TICKETS
Evening $20, $18 (discounted)
Matinee $15, $12 (discounted)

CONTACT
For further information, to arrange an interview or photo opportunity contact the Director – Jocelyn McQuaid on 09 626 3070, or the Production Manager - Anna Adam on 309 9408, mobile 021 137 4936, email anna@novamodels.co.nz

COMPLIMENTARY PRESS PREVIEW PERFORMANCE (TUE 19 AUGUST 2008 @ 8PM)
Contact the box office on 09 525 3336 for your complimentary preview ticket. Please check the preview date when calling.

ENDS

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