News: News

This blog post is written by Te Waha Nui AUT Student Journalist, Sophie Watson. Sophie is a good friend of the PumpHouse Theatre. Enjoy!

Shoreside Theatre is celebrating ten years of its local favourite ‘mid-winter mystery’, despite years of setbacks.

Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution marks a big anniversary for the community theatre company, says director Mags Delaney-Moffatt.

“Agatha Christie is a sure fire winner. To have been able to have done ten of them is something I don’t think many other theatre groups have achieved.”

Delaney-Moffatt says Shoreside’s legacy of Agatha Christie’s and their audiences’ long-time loyalty is key to keeping community theatre alive.

“Especially in this day and age with all the funding cuts… having a successful genre, like Christie, like Shakespeare, that helps keep Shoreside alive. Without that, we’d be stuck.”

“Because it’s something people are familiar with, (Christie’s plays) offer a bit of comfort, especially coming out of Covid… the fact that you could go and see a bit of Agatha Christie down at your local theatre.”

Plunged into a lockdown with the rest of Aotearoa in 2020, Shoreside Theatre was forced to cancel the seventh season of the mid-winter mysteries.

The company then discovered $60,000 had been stolen from their accounts.

The Shoreside committee, made up of volunteers, found their treasurer had been making fraudulent banking transfers, going so far as to use his own child’s bank account to hide the money.

Despite the blow, Shoreside pushed through with the help of their community, keeping the mid-winter spirit alive with 2021’s The Mousetrap and their annual Shakespeare In The Park.

“That was amazing… we had a real sellout season and that was fantastic because it showed that people were wanting to come out again. That sort of told us that this is the kind of theatre people want to come out to.”

Delaney-Moffatt says a lot is owed to the longevity of Agatha Christie’s stories, with their appeal to both young and old, but it’s Shoreside quality productions that keep audiences coming back.

“There are some people who come every single year and there are people who come for the first time and go, ‘oh, is there another one next year? I’ll come to that.’”

Witness For The Prosecution, adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1925 short story, is one of her most famed plays, opening in London in 1953. Since then, it has been performed hundreds of times worldwide and adapted to both TV and the big screen.

“It’s a courtroom drama, and you don’t often see that in (her) plays… Witness For The Prosecution is definitely Christie through and through.”

Delaney-Moffatt says there is something for everyone in the show.

“Be prepared to gasp out loud.”

Shoreside’s iteration is being performed at The Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna until the 30th of July.

In Aotearoa, there is a celestial event that holds deep cultural significance for Māori people – the appearance of Matariki. For some, you may know it as the Pleiades star cluster, for others it may be Subaru. Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence across the country.

A Celestial Event

Matariki, a cluster of seven stars, or nine depending on where you are, becomes visible in the pre-dawn sky of the Southern Hemisphere during late May or early June each year. Traditionally, its appearance signals the start of the Māori New Year, a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration. The name “Matariki” itself means “eyes of god” or “little eyes” in the Māori language, and it holds a deep spiritual connection for the Māori people.

Cultural Significance

Matariki has been celebrated for centuries by Māori, but its significance was largely overshadowed in the past. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest and celebration surrounding Matariki, thanks to the efforts of Māori communities and organisations. Recognising the cultural importance of Matariki has allowed New Zealanders of all backgrounds to come together and embrace the unique heritage of the country.

Reflection and Remembrance

Matariki is a time for reflection and remembrance. It is a time to honor those who have passed away, to acknowledge their contributions, and to connect with ancestral roots. During this period, Māori communities engage in storytelling, performing arts, and various cultural activities to pay homage to their ancestors and to pass down knowledge and traditions to future generations. It is a time to remember the past and its impact on shaping the present.

Renewal and New Beginnings

Matariki also symbolizes new beginnings and the opportunity for personal growth. Just as the stars reappear in the sky, it is a time to set goals, make plans, and embark on a journey of self-improvement. This period encourages Kiwi’s to connect with nature, to reflect on their relationships, and to seek harmony and balance in their lives. Matariki reminds individuals to embrace change and start afresh.

Unity and Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of Matariki is its ability to foster unity and community. The celebration of Matariki brings people together from all walks of life, Māori and non-Māori alike, to participate in festivities, including feasts, music, dance, and artistic expressions. It is a time to appreciate diversity, learn from one another, and strengthen the social fabric of Aotearoa. Matariki serves as a powerful reminder that we are all connected and that our collective strength lies in our shared experiences and understanding.

WHAT CAN I DO TO EMBRACE AND CELEBRATE MATARIKI?
There is an abundance of celebrations, workshops, theatre, dance, art and kai to take part in this Matariki. Here are some ideas:

• Give back! Donate to a charity, plant a tree, buy a mate a coffee
• Reflect on things you may want to let go of to start fresh for Matariki
• Whilst reflecting, prepare for the year ahead. Set goals, write them down!
• Research Matariki – learn, learn, learn! Many iwi in Aotearoa understand and celebrate Matariki differently, so it is a good time to learn about this
• Check out the events listed on the Matariki Festival website www.matarikifestival.org.nz/whats-on/
• Gather your friends and whānau together for a feed, or to watch a movie/sport/theatre. Whatever the activity is doesn’t matter – it is about coming together and connecting

Speaking of gathering together – The PumpHouse is currently celebrating Matariki the best way we know how – with theatre! Chocolate & Carnage Theatre are putting on their enchanting Matariki show, .co.nz this week (11 – 15 July 2023) and it’s free to attend – plus you’ll get to share a free kai with the company afterwards! Find out more here

.co.nz by Mark Wilson, performed in our Outdoor Amphitheatre 11-15 July 2023

Mānawatia a Matariki!

(Co-written with Mark Wilson)

Embarking on an outing to the theatre is usually not synonymous with danger, and most people probably don’t think of going to the theatre as especially risky, however, the team at The PumpHouse spend a lot of time working with producers and performers making sure everyone stays safe and has a good time.

We asked James and Mark to answer some questions about Health and Safety at The PumpHouse. Mark is our Health and Safety representative, and as the manager, James has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring everyone is safe.

James & Mark

What’s the most dangerous thing at The PumpHouse?

James: Without a doubt, it would have to be the lighting rig – it’s hard to get to, you are working up high, and if you drop something it will hurt anyone who is underneath. I’m always a little more relaxed once the lights are rigged and everyone is safely on the ground again.

Mark: In my personal opinion, based entirely on the quantity of incident reports I receive, I am going to say the most dangerous thing statistically is the stairs in the building. At least once a month someone will trip on the stairs and hurt themselves. Unassuming but consistent.

What’s something unsafe that people don’t really think about?

James: People probably don’t realise how much time we are still spending thinking about Covid-19. The seating area is disinfected after every single performance, and gloves, face masks, and trying not to have too maybe people in one place are just a standard part of how we do things now.

Mark: Is it going to be a cop-out if I say the stairs again?! YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE PLACING YOUR FEET, PEOPLE! The stairs are coming for you and they are bringing their buddy gravity with them. We don’t often think about stairs and how we navigate them, but I think they need to be discussed more often.

How do you keep people safe when they are performing here?

Mark: The PumpHouse Theatre has our standard procedures for how we navigate our health and safety, hazards, and reporting such issues. We pass on these processes to our hirers and they add any additional information and processes we may not be aware of. Either our staff or the hirers present are well briefed on our processes in case of emergency to ensure the safety of EVERYONE present. If our team spots anything unsafe, we address it immediately to the best of our ability or it is passed on to me for further investigation.

How does The PumpHouse keep up to date with H&S best practices?

James: We’re a member of both the Entertainment Venues Association of NZ and Entertainment Technology NZ, and we work with H&S consultants OSHBox to keep our Health and Safety policies and plans up to date.

Each year with have a Health and Safety audit and members of our team are trained in both medical and mental health first aid.

And if in doubt we ask for help!  There is a great network of support and advice amongst the many venues in Auckland and the various people who use the spaces who are always willing to lend a hand and provide some feedback when they spot a problem.

What happens if there is a fire or other emergency at The PumpHouse?

James: If the fire alarm is activated during a performance three things will happen right away:

• The alarm will sound.
• The emergency lights will come on.
• The ventilation system will automatically start removing smoke from the room.

Your ushers will open the doors (and fire exit doors too) and direct you to assemble in front of the café while the team backstage makes sure the actors and backstage crew get out safely too.

In conclusion, prioritising health and safety at the theatre is crucial for the well-being of both performers and audience members. Let us all play our part in supporting the arts and ensuring that the theatre remains a sanctuary of creativity, inspiration, and most importantly, a place where everyone can feel safe!

What do you think of when someone says “Community Theatre”?

✨ A vibrant and inclusive space where talented individuals from all walks of life come together to express their passion for the arts?

✨ A place where people can feel a sense of community?

✨ A space that fosters creativity and personal growth to build strong social connections?

Community Theatre is all of the above and then some!

Community Theatre has proven throughout history to be an invaluable asset to society and traces its roots back to ancient times when performances were organised by local communities as part of religious, cultural, and social festivities. Over the centuries, theatre evolved into a professional art form, but the spirit of community involvement and participation never waned.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Community Theatre experienced a resurgence as people recognised the transformative benefits of the performing arts. Today, community theatre continues to thrive all around the world.

My roots are in theatre – I started out in the Community Theatre scene in the Manawatū as a teenager. Not only was this an EXCELLENT training ground for me as an actor, but I also gained lifelong friends, and mentors, and felt part of something really special. It allowed me to unleash the “real Meg” to the world – a slightly quirky, strange, and colourful person who never really felt like she fit into a “normal society”.

Even though I am now a professional actor, Community Theatre still holds a special place in my heart and is something I will never stop doing. Personally, I don’t think Community Theatre should be valued any less than Professional Theatre – while paid work is so important, some creatives WANT to do it for the love of it, and we should never discount that feeling of belonging to a community. In my case, theatre is both my profession AND my hobby.

The benefits of Community Theatre are ENDLESS:

• The creativity to be YOURSELF! Participating in community theatre nurtures personal growth. It helps individuals build self-confidence, develop public speaking skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and enhance their emotional intelligence.
• An incredible creative outlet. Drawing not your thing? Crafting not your vibe? Theatre may be the perfect way to fuel your creative needs.
• Cultural enrichment. Theatre has the power to transcend cultural barriers and promote understanding and empathy. Through storytelling, audiences get the chance to witness other perspectives, offering a chance to explore different cultures, historical eras, and societal issues.
• Bringing people together. Any thespian will tell you that the reason they get so addicted to being involved in theatre is the sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants. Theatre community members develop lasting friendships and in some cases, they become people’s chosen whānau.
• Education! Many theatre groups offer workshops and classes to help nurture and provide education to their community. This is also a fabulous way to ensure theatre has a future and continues to thrive.

As I said, the benefits are endless… it’s something I could yarn about all day! But don’t just take it from me – here are a few local community theatre creatives who generously gave me a few sentences about what community theatre means to them. They are all professionals who either got their start in Community Theatre or balance their time between paid work and community work.

EMMA BISHOP: Arts Practitioner, Broadcaster, Producer, Teacher

“I think there is a key word in the name, community theatre that being community! As humans, we aren’t meant to be solo, isolated people, we are social beings so being part of a community, and sharing a common passion gives us a stronger sense of person. My theatre community are my whānau – there for me through the good and the bad… we laugh, we cry, we create and celebrate!!!”

ROSHEEN LESLIE: Actor, Artist

“Community theatre is a multi-beneficial practice for an actor. It keeps your tools sharp, it allows you to play roles you otherwise would not have the opportunity to play, and it connects you to people who are just as excited by the theatre as you are. More than anything, community theatre is about the people, creative, magical, love-filled, joyous people! All coming to create and enjoy art together! What is more magical than that?”

KEITH MARR: Singer, Producer

“It all begins with community theatre. It is the lifeline of the theatre world and has been since day one. If it weren’t for community theatre, the Broadways and West Ends wouldn’t exist. It gives us creatives the outlet that we crave in our day-to-day lives and allows us to express sides of us that the world may never see and perhaps sides of ourselves that we thought may never have existed without that blank canvas that community theatre provides.

Pro theatre is a difficult industry to break into. For a lot of us, we do not wish to pursue the professional side of theatre and are happy performing with our local theatre companies and giving back to the communities through performing arts. For us, that is enough. It always comes back to the community. This is why we love doing it. I am a proud community thespian and I wish to see more join us in creating boundless art.”

LAUREN WILSON: Actor, Director, Producer, Multi-Disciplinary Artist

“Community Theatre is a place that brings together all those who wish to be creative onstage and behind the scenes. It teaches new skills, builds relationships, and leads to the most magical output by those who are just gifting their time to the production they are working on. It brings together actors, designers, creators, builders, technicians, wordsmiths and so many more. All people from all walks of life come together to create a spectacular production and create relationships that can last for years to come.”

ZANE FLEMING: Actor, Director, Producer

“It sounds extreme but community theatre saved my life, in school I was always a bigger lad, I was loud and wanted nothing more than to be liked by everyone, but I was different and didn’t fit into the box that people wanted me to so, unfortunately, life had other plans and I was bullied through my entire schooling life, primary to high school, these were very dark times for me, but community theatre was the place I felt safe, for once I wasn’t made to feel like I was garbage, and people encouraged me and told me I had talent. I’m where I am today because I had such an outlet and though I’m not able to do as much community theatre anymore I am grateful I had a place to go that allowed me to put my focus and passion into something positive.

In summary, Community Theatre helps keep places like The PumpHouse alive, it ensures the community can thrive and life can feel a little more colourful, it is a great starting point and training ground for actors wanting to make it their profession, but it is equally a wonderful and valid space to belong as an artist who wants to do it as a hobby. Our stories are so important. Let us celebrate and support this incredible art form that nourishes our spirits and brings communities together.”

JAMES BELL: Director, Producer, Shoreside Theatre Committee Member

“For me, community theatre is all about being part of something bigger. It’s about coming together with a group of friends and tackling ambitious projects as a team. You get to learn from others, pick up new skills, and share your own know-how. As someone more comfortable behind the scenes, there’s nothing quite like hearing the audience’s reaction to some blocking you created with the cast or a sound cue you carefully chose. It’s a reminder that every little contribution counts in creating an awesome and unforgettable theatrical experience for everyone – audience, performers, and behind-the-scenes creatives alike.”

CHRIS SMITH: Actor

“Community Theatre represents to me the opportunity of playing out lives of people I don’t even know, from a world I’ve never been to. Community acting encourages me to create realistic characters via a broadened imagination drawing upon the lives and idiosyncrasies of people one might meet in a normal lifespan. Community theatre provides so many wonderful chances to venture through time warps and periods by allowing the actor to safely transpose into an alter ego concurrently presenting the challenge of quite often becoming the antithesis of oneself. In doing so acting provides enjoyment and escapism to others whilst they are equally transported to the portrayed time period and circumstance.”

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

How do we know Shakespeare’s birthday?

The exact date of William Shakespeare’s birth in Stratford upon Avon to John and Mary Shakespeare was not recorded but it is most often celebrated around the world on April 23.

There is a record of Shakespeare’s baptism on Wednesday, April 26, 1564, in the Parish Register of Holy Trinity Church which was the Shakespeare’s local church.

Baptismal Font

Back then baptisms took place within three days of a baby being born. The Common Prayer Book that John and Mary followed also instructed those baptisms took place no later than the first Sunday after the birth.

So, with a bit of scholarly detective work, it seems unlikely William was born any earlier than the previous Sunday which was April 23. Taking into account the three-day reasonable interval between birth and baptism, 23 April has therefore become to be celebrated as his birthday.

Holy Trinity Church

Did Shakespeare die on his birthday?

It is thought Shakespeare also died on 23 April; in 1616, when he was 52 years of age.

Shakespeare’s burial is recorded in Stratford’s parish register on 25 April 1616.

We do not know the cause of Shakespeare’s death. 

The Shakespeare’s monument, inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, states that he died on 23 April. His gravestone, below the monument, does not bear his name, but was believed to be Shakespeare’s from at least 1656, and is the first in a row that commemorates other members of his family. 

His gravestone reads, ‘Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To digg the dust encloased heare, Blest by the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones’.

Shakespeare’s Grave

The Bard of England’s birth and death dates coincide with the celebration of the patron saint of England – St George which had been commemorated on April 23 since the beginning of the 15^th Century.

Shakespeare’s Memorial

By Mags Delaney-Moffatt

Why do we wear poppies?

The red poppies are symbolic of the poppies that grew on the battlefields of Belgium and France in World War I when many soldiers some of them very young died. The poppy now commemorates all members of the armed forces who have lost their lives in conflict.

The poppy sends a message about Remembrance and a hope for a peaceful future.

Who had the idea to wear poppies?

The poppy was one of the first plants to grow on the battlefields after World War I which inspired Lieutenant-Colonel John MaCrae, a Canadian medical officer to write his poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ in 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

This poem then inspired an American woman Moina Michael to have the poppy adopted as a symbol of remembrance in the USA in 1918 – which then led to a French lady Madame E. Guréin to have the idea of an ‘Inter-Allied Poppy Day’ selling handmade poppies the proceeds going to benefit the Allied veterans and their families in 1920.

So how did poppies get to New Zealand?

One of the people who worked with M. Guréin, Colonel Alfred Moffatt suggested the idea to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association (as the RSA was then known) in September 1921.

It was originally planned to hold the first Poppy Day in NZ just before Armistice Day in 1921 as other countries were doing, however when the shipment of poppies arrived from France it was too late for the scheme to be properly publicised, so the decision was made to wait until ANZAC Day 1922.

ANZAC Day has been the day for New Zealanders to wear poppies ever since.

Where can I get a poppy?

You will see poppy sellers in the malls but we are supporting Devonport RSA here at The PumpHouse, so you can pick one up on your next visit!

By Mags Delaney-Moffatt

North Shore Brass Academy is hosting a beautiful ANZAC tribute at The PumpHouse on Tues 25 April at 4pm – find out more here

Incredible techies are sometimes hard to come by, but we have absolutely lucked out with the brilliant Matt who has brought his amazing talents to The PumpHouse whānau. Matt works all over Tāmaki Makaurau with many wonderful theatres and theatre companies.

We asked Matt 10 questions about himself so that you can get to know him better, enjoy!

1. Tell us five random facts about yourself

• I have a twin sister who is studying in Wellington. I’m only two minutes older than her.
• I heavily rely on my calendar. Everything is colour coded. Such a useful thing to have on my phone.
• I won the ACTT best lighting design award for 2021. I also got nominated for the 2022 award.
• I have 0 unread emails. I will never leave an email unread.
• My last name has an apostrophe at the end because it was spelt Goldsbrough. Centuries ago a Dr Goldsbrough shortened it down because writing the full last name on medical documents was too long to fit in the box. So now it Goldsbro’.

2. How did you come to work at The PumpHouse Theatre?

The first time I remember going to The PumpHouse was for a Lighting & Sound workshop in 2017. In 2018 I started doing tech for my school’s drama department and later in the year, I was asked if I wanted to do follow spot for a show at The PumpHouse Theatre. I went along not knowing if I would like it but I loved it. I started doing more shows at school and then got asked if I wanted to do tech for Shoreside Theatre’s Shakespeare In The Park 2021. I then later did more shows with Shoreside Theatre and now working at The PumpHouse Theatre as a technician.

3. When did you start getting involved in the Performing Arts?

2018. My first year of college. I had been doing tech at my intermediate but had never done any theatre. It was just helping the music department. When I started college I was introduced to the drama technician Michael. I still remember that day and I’m sure Michael hasn’t forgotten. It hadn’t even been an hour of my first day at college. I then got involved with the school production that year designing the lights and following years I got opportunities to work on shows at many different theatres around Auckland. Some of my favourite shows I’ve done are show productions including Love and Information at Q Theatre, Showquest at Aotea Theatre and The Tempest at my college’s BLACKBOX Theatre.

4. What is your favourite thing about The PumpHouse Theatre?

I love seeing how the space is used by different people. I just love the ideas that they come up with. Set design, Costume, Tech. One day the stage is the front of a pirate ship and another it’s the inside of a small cottage. I love other people’s creativity and how they show that creativity on the stage.

5. Do you have a favourite memory/memories of The PumpHouse?

The Tech workshop I went to in 2017 at The PumpHouse I remember being so intrigued by the gear that was at the workshop. It was such a hands-on workshop that I wanted to keep playing with the gear. And now I get to do that every day.

6. What time do you wake up in the mornings?

Sometimes I will be up at 7am. Others I won’t wake up until noon. Sleep schedules aren’t much of a thing when you’re working late nights on shows.

7. What is your favourite food?

Can’t go wrong with top-deck chocolate.

8. What do you get up to when you’re not at The PumpHouse?

I also do tech for other theatres around Auckland. Always busy. I also do a bit of photography. Mainly landscapes but I have started doing some theatre photography.

9. Who inspires you?

Michael Goodwin. Skippy :). Michael was the first person to introduce me to theatre tech. He pushed me throughout college to try different things in theatre. Michael gave me opportunities to do shows outside of school and learn a lot more. I don’t think I’d be doing what I am without him.

10. What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

My favourite theatre show that I’ve ever seen is ALONE. I saw ALONE at Q Theatre Loft and wow. It was such an amazing show. I was speechless after it. The set is small but very well done. All the little details caught my eye during the show. The sound design was insane. It felt like we were there in the show. Alarms going off around us, sounds shooting past, chairs rumbling. Lights in the set flashing. I see why it won Auckland Fringe in 2020. Definitely would go see it again.

Our casual team are the heart of The PumpHouse – the Front of House team in particular! The vibrant Nicky has been part of The PumpHouse whānau for a few months now. If you have been to a show recently you’ll likely recognise her smiley face and bubbly, welcoming personality!

We asked Nicky 10 questions about herself so that you can get to know her better, enjoy!

1. Tell us five random facts about yourself

• I was born in Liverpool
• I became an NZ citizen last year
• I attended the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace
• My only sporting claim to fame was Javlin
• I’m enrolled to become a barber this year!

2. How did you come to work at The PumpHouse Theatre?

I saw an advertisement for casual theatre staff on social media.

3. When did you start getting involved in the Performing Arts?

At a young age, I participated in school but that’s it! However, I have an extremely talented daughter who attends NASDA in Christchurch studying for a 3-year degree.

4. What is your favourite thing about The PumpHouse Theatre?

Being part of the theatre team is just amazing. I love the support and friendship from the staff but mostly I get to meet lots of amazing people. I feel extremely grateful.

5. Do you have a favourite memory/memories of The PumpHouse?

Meeting the guy from ‘Educators’ (lol), and sipping bubbles with the staff at Christmas.

6. What time do you wake up in the mornings?

Depends if I need to get up!

7. What is your favourite food?

Italian but partial to a homemade roast dinner 😊

8. What do you get up to when you’re not at The PumpHouse?

I love spending quiet time these days down at the beach with my two dogs. I volunteer once a week for Plunket.

9. Who inspires you?

John & Yoko, and Eckhart Tolle

10. What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

School of Rock and Chicago

In a somewhat eerie reflection of 50-something years ago, when a community of theatre lovers rallied together to save The PumpHouse from demolition and turn it into the thriving arts venue we all know and love today, we are now seeing a repeat of this hard work and community comradery as our theatre community comes together to clean up our beautiful brick lady in the aftermath of severe flooding.

Thespians are resilient folk – they deal with more rejection than many other professions. They are accustomed to hard work, long hours, and keeping spirits high within their cast, their crew, their community, which inevitably becomes whānau.

Our team has not only been cleaning, mopping, drying, and salvaging what they can at the theatre, but also dealing with cancelled Shakespeare shows which result in a hefty amount of behind the scenes work including transfers, refunds, and ensuring our audience feel safe, loved, and listened to during this time.

On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank you all for your patience and support. It means the world!

We all hope you and yours are safe and dry. See you soon to create more memories at the theatre!

To find out which Shakespeare in the Park performances have been cancelled due to the flooding, click here.