Media Release: For Immediate Release
ACROBAT VERSUS GRAND PIANO – what could possibly go wrong?
Auckland Live, SHOW PONY and Circo Aereo present
THE PIANIST
Directed by Thomas Monckton & Sanna Silvenoinen. Performed by Thomas Monckton.
“It would be no exaggeration to declare Thomas Monckton nothing short of a genius *****” - Broadway Baby (UK)
Following a successful North Island tour and sell-out seasons in both Finland and Wellington, the show that has captured
the imaginations of audiences both young and old is finally playing Auckland, for a strictly limited season at the
Herald Theatre from 8-18 April.
The Pianist is a solo comic contemporary circus piece by Thomas Monckton (Moving Stationery) and Circo Aereo (Finland).
This hilarious work is centred on, in, under, and around one of the most magnificent of all musical instruments, the
grand piano.
Engaging and energetic, Monckton plays the concert pianist whose recital is an absolute catastrophe right from the
beginning. He is a man so focused on impressing everyone that before he realises it, his show has transformed from the
highbrow concert he hoped for, into absolute bedlam. As the grand piano takes on a life of its own, Monckton’s visceral
playground of comical chaos and unexpected turns takes audiences of all ages on a journey that simply cannot be missed.
The Pianist mixes classical clowning with contemporary circus to produce a charming piece of comedy about the lure of
luxury. After the success of touring Europe, Nelson and Tauranga in 2013, The Pianist made its Wellington premiere at
Circa Theatre in April 2014 before going onto a sell-out North Island tour. Monckton then once again took the
international stage by storm at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014. Following its Auckland season The Pianist will tour
Keri Keri as part of the Upsurge Festival, Wanaka's Festival of Colour, Invercargill, and Dunedin.
“This is physical comedy at its very best, on a par with the great silent movies of Chaplin, Keaton and others. Thomas
Monckton is a comic genius. Miss him at your peril”
- The Dominion Post (NZ)
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsbdZUJI6I0
Pre-sale with Ticketmaster Monday 2 March.
General Public on sale Tuesday 3 March.
THE PIANIST plays:
Wednesday 8 April – Saturday 18 April at 7pm
Thurs 9 Apr, Tues 14 April, Wed 15 April and Sat 18 April at 11am. Sunday 12 April at 2pm.
WHERE: The Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
DURATION; 60 mins (no interval)
TICKETS: $18-$35. Family price $60 (two adults, two children). Service fees apply.
Bookings: 09 970 9700 // ticketmaster.co.nz