KINGS OF THE GYM, CINDERELLA, TRIBES and More Highlight Circa's 2013 Season

Circa continues to lead New Zealand theatre in 2013 with a season of simply the best of New Zealand and International work.

Circa is excited to present a number of world premieres of new New Zealand work in the 2013 season. In January, the dynamic duo who brought us the 2011 and 2012 smash hit, The Motor Camp – writer Dave Armstrong and director Danny Mulheron – will return with the brand new, delightfully romantic and wickedly entertaining Kings of the Gym in Circa One. Also in Circa One, the multi-talented Paul Jenden (creator of Troy, Monarchy and Rome) will debut his new musical – with music by Gareth Farr – C – A Musical, a funny, moving, irreverent and light-hearted journey through Jenden’s recent treatment for cancer. At the end of the year, the Christmas tradition will continue with a brand new pantomime by Michele Amas, Mother Goose. In Circa Two, up and coming playwright Gavin McGibbon will make his Circa debut with the world premiere season of Con, directed by Danny Mulheron.

Many loved and lauded New Zealand plays take the stage in the 2013 programme, kicking off with the return of the ever-popular Roger Hall pantomime, Cinderella and followed later in the summer by his latest hit, You Can Always Hand Them Back, a show no grandparent will want to miss and no would-be grandparent should. Susan Wilson will direct the critically acclaimed and thought-provoking Midnight in Moscow, by award-winning Kiwi playwright and writer of the 2012 Circa Two hit, The Tigers of Wrath, Dean Parker. Tawata Productions will present the powerful and engaging Tu by Hone Kouka, the play Sir Ian McKellen called his favourite of the 2012 NZ International Arts Festival. Catherine Downes will delight us with her internationally praised Talking of Katherine Mansfield, and Jason Chasland will amaze us with his ability to transform in The ImpoSTAR. The Improvisors will return throughout the year to bring their on-the-spot antics to a host of shows for young and old alike.

The International work in the line up this year is the best of the best: the stage will be set in Circa One for the smart, highly original, funny and multi-award-winning Tribes by Nina Raine, directed by Ross Jolly. Also in Circa One: The Price by master playwright Arthur Miller and No Naughty Bits, the true story of Monty Python taking on America. In Circa Two, AnDrew Foster will direct the critically-acclaimed Red, a moving and compelling account of painter Mark Rothko, one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century. Also in Circa Two, 1st Gear productions will present After Juliet, and Lyndee-Jane Rutherford will direct the New Zealand premiere of the delightful Scottish play with songs, Midsummer.

Circa’s 2013 programme presents a year of life-affirming, thought-provoking and simply exceptional theatre.

Since 1976, Circa Theatre has built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s liveliest and most innovative theatres. Champions of quality playwriting and performance for more than 35 years, Circa is home and host to New Zealand’s most influential theatre-makers. Circa Theatre’s purpose-built theatre is located on Wellington’s waterfront – right next door to Te Papa. It not only has the two performance spaces, but also has an on-site restaurant, Encore Restaurant and Bar, the dynamic partnership in first class contemporary cuisine and service excellence to enhance your theatre-going experience in an exceptional waterfront location.

New for 2013: the Circa Six Pack, total theatre access – 6 tickets for the price of 5 to be redeemed however you like! With $25 tickets for under 25s, a bargain ‘Friend of Circa’ membership that gives members $33 tickets for the first two weeks of each show, plus a range of other ticket prices and fantastic pre-show dinner options – Circa’s got your ticket for a great night out!

Circa Theatre – 1 Taranaki St, Wellington Waterfront. Bookings: phone 04 801 7992, email circa@circa.co.nz or visit www.circa.co.nz.

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