Glorious
2023-10-29 19:30 - 2023-11-06 21:30, 2023-10-30 19:30 - 2023-11-07 21:30, 2023-10-31 19:30 - 2023-11-08 21:30, 2023-11-01 19:30 - 2023-11-09 21:30, 2023-11-02 19:30 - 2023-11-10 21:30, 2023-11-03 19:30 - 2023-11-11 21:30, 2023-11-04 19:30 - 2023-11-12 21:30 UTC | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
In 1940s New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as “The First Lady of the Sliding Scale” she warbled and screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics, instead she was surrounded by a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was.
Based upon a true story, the play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall in this hilarious and heart-warming comedy.
PLEASE NOTE:
Grand Gala Opening – come dressed a la Foster-Jenkins or 1940s fashion! Prize for Best Dressed.
Bar will be open before and after each performance.
Wheelchair seating – please call 0508 iTICKET (484 253) to book.

Anne of Green Gables
2024-06-07 19:00 - 2024-06-15 21:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
When aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert send to the orphanage in Nova Scotia for a boy to help them on the farm, they get more than they bargain for. Due to a mix-up, they are instead left with 11-year-old Anne Shirley. Over the course of six years, this romantic, hot-headed, and energetic girl wins their hearts and turns the stodgy, rural Canadian community into a bright world of “kindred spirits.” This swift yet theatrical adaptation of the classic novel is an all-ages crowd-pleaser.
Wheelchair seating – please call 0508 iTICKET (484 253) to book.

The Last Quiz Night On Earth - AUDITIONS
2024-08-11 18:30 - 21:00
We are running a second round of auditions for Little Theatre and Repertory’s combined show this year “The Last Quiz Night On Earth” by Allison Carr. Directed by Stefanie Crawford.
Auditions held at the Playhouse, Sunday 11th August 6.30pm.
Showdates Wed 30th, Thurs 31st Oct, Fri 1st and Sat 2nd Nov at 7.30pm, plus a matinee on the Sat 2nd Nov at 2pm. FIVE SHOWS!!
It’s the end of the world. The last night on earth. An asteroid is heading straight for us and there is nothing we can do about it……..except host a pub quiz at your local country pub. The pub is called “The Four Horsemen”.
It is an innovative comedy-drama that includes a fully interactive pub quiz played by the audience with prizes for the best team name, and highest score.
Cast Required:
Kathy forties, pub landlady, genuinely caring for her patrons is the landlady, familiar with all the regulars and greeting audience members as they arrive.
Rav twenties, bar man and quiz master, full of life is the undisputed last word in any
dispute, glittery and showy.
Bobby forties, is Kathy’s estranged brother who suddenly doesn’t want to be
estranged any more, confused, lost and unsure of himself and carrying long-nurtured grievances, much to Kathy’s dismay.
Fran twenties, is Rav’s childhood sweetheart who has suddenly conceived a desire
to rekindle their relationship – what is Rav to do?
For audition information and queries contact:
Jess Liddy jessliddy1983@gmail.com
Jon Harris laserjon33@gmail.com

Quiz Fest - Three fun themed quiz nights!!
2024-10-31 18:30 - 2024-11-02 21:00 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
Little Theatre & Repertory have come together to present Quiz Fest, three nights of quizzes, each with its own theme.
Thursday 31st October, Halloween.
Friday 1st November, High Seas.
Saturday 2nd November, Saturday night Fever.
PRIZES
Winning team, best team name, best dressed team, best wrong answer.
Come along, have some fun. We will have the bar operating & raffles to buy which will be drawn each night.
Email littlerepertory@gmail.com to book in a team, $10 per person, pay on the night.

******AUDITIONS THE SECRET LIVES OF EXTREMELY OLD PEOPLE
2025-02-01 08:00 - 2025-02-02 17:00 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
Auditions
“The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People”
Are you ready to step into the lives of five compelling characters and explore the challenges and unexpected joys of extreme old age?
The South Canterbury Drama League invites you to audition for The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People by Rachel McAlpine, presented by arrangement with Playmarket.org.nz.
This thought-provoking play is inspired by real stories of nonagenarians. Blending humour, emotion, and storytelling, it asks the poignant question: “Is life worth living after 90?”
About the Play:
An intimate and at times confronting production, it offers a glimpse into advanced aging through five individuals navigating love, loss, and the complexities of life in their nineties:
· A devoted couple who have overcome a lifetime of struggle.
· A free-spirited musician embracing her truth.
· A Māori kuia rediscovering her heritage and reclaiming the cultural identity she was denied for much of her life.
· A privileged, educated man with a distinguished career, confronting social injustice and inequality.
FULL CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS HERE
Why Audition?
The opportunity to bring complex characters to life to challenge and inspire audiences. Experienced actor or new to the stage, this play offers a chance to explore what life will be like in the 90’s.
Performance Details:
· When: 8–17 May 2025
· Where: The Playhouse, Timaru
· Directed by: Chris Thomas
Audition Information: Auditions are by booking only. Please contact Chris to secure your spot:
· Phone: 027 297 9643 · Email: chris@specialevents.co.nz
· Audition Dates: Saturday, 1st February, or Sunday, 2nd February 2025
· Time: 10am–2pm
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this serious and fun production!

An Evening with Joe Bennett
2025-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
The South Canterbury Drama League is hosting
“An Evening with Joe Bennett” at The Playhouse, 198 Church Street on the 28th Feburary at 7.30pm.
Born in England, Joe Bennett has lived in New Zealand since 1987.
His newspaper columns are syndicated throughout the country and he has several times been judged New Zealand Columnist of the Year.
Thirteen collections of his columns have been published in New Zealand and three world-wide. He has had four travel books published by Simon and Schuster UK, and his work has been translated into Chinese, Korean, Greek and American. Where Underpants Come From was the Whitcoulls Travcom Travel Book of the Year in 2009.
Be entertained with his wit, wisdom and humour at this special one night only event.

Questions from the audience are entertained as long as they are entertaining.
Tickets available from iTicket and Timaru Information Centre

The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People
2025-05-09 19:30 - 2025-05-17 21:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
THE SECRET LIVES OF EXTREMELY OLD PEOPLE
Five fictional nonagenarians share their fascinating stories. They riff, they rant, they rebel, they remember. Tragedy hovers and death is drawing close. So why do they say they are lucky? Deeper than data about old age, their stories are startling, exhilarating and moving.
Playwright Rachel McAlpine was shocked to the core when her GP predicted she would live to 99. Like most people, she had opinions about very old age but no experience.
She asked local people in their 90s about their lives and found their revelations broke all the stereotypes. She also walked the footpaths of Wellington asking people how they see their life unfolding at 90.
The play, “The Secret lives of Extremely Old People” erupted from those conversations.
Preceding each of three matinees, The Vintage Piano Trio will perform in the lounge for 30 minutes. Their ages span three decades and total 255 years
Performances
Fri May 9th 7.30 pm
*Sat May 10th & *Sun May 11th 2pm Matinee
Thur May 15th & Fri May 16th 7.30pm
*Sat 17th May 2pm Matinee
Buy tickets on line at iTICKET and at the
Timaru Information Centre

Babooshka
2025-10-31 19:30 - 2025-11-08 21:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
BABOOSHKA – Bold, Witty, and Wonderfully Honest! Like the Russian doll ‘Babooshka’, five women peel away the layers to reveal more than you might expect. A chance encounter in a department store changing room provides the backdrop for this unexpected, frank and witty play.
Step into the spotlight and strip back the layers of five fierce, flawed, and funny women.
A fast-paced, satirical take on body image, fame, and finding yourself. Layers will be shed. Truths will be told. Laughs guaranteed.
R16 Language. Content may offend. Trigger warning: contains negative body image & eating disorder themes.

Directed by Erin Mulholland

The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People - Encore Season
2026-02-25 19:30 - 2026-03-01 16:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AS THE PREVIOUS SEASON WAS SOLD OUT.
“THE SECRET LIVES OF EXTREMELY OLD PEOPLE”
ENCORE SEASON
Five fictional nonagenarians share their fascinating stories. They riff, they rant, they rebel, they remember. Tragedy hovers and death is drawing close. So why do they say they are lucky? Deeper than data about old age, their stories are startling, exhilarating and moving.
Playwright Rachel McAlpine was shocked to the core when her GP predicted she would live to 99. Like most people, she had opinions about very old age but no experience. She asked local people in their 90s about their lives and found their revelations broke all the stereotypes. She also walked the footpaths of Wellington, asking people how they see their life unfolding at 90. The play, “The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People” erupted from those conversations. Overall, the success of the play depends upon character, and mercifully, the script avoids patronising stereotypes.
Writer Rachel McAlpine said of the previous SCDL production, “The director, cast, crew, and production team are to be commended for their courage in mounting what in many ways is a difficult play, and for putting across the issues with considerable warmth and good humour. They are to be congratulated on the patent success of their undertaking. Well done all!”
Only five performances
Wednesday 25th Feb 7.30 pm.
Thursday 26th Feb 7.30 pm.
Friday 27th Feb 7.30 pm.
Saturday 28th Feb 2 pm.
Sunday 1st Mar 2 pm.
Buy tickets online at iTICKET and at the Timaru Information Centre
THE PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES WERE QUICKLY SOLD OUT SO BUY TICKETS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

Petite Plays
2026-06-11 19:00 - 2026-06-12 21:30 | The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru, 7910, New Zealand
🎭 Petite Plays
11th & 12th June 2026
Funny. Whimsical. Farcical. Anarchic.
Get ready for a wild, theatrical ride.
Petite Plays are small but perfectly formed, some only a few minutes long, bringing together a vibrant collection of short works written by local playwrights. Expect an evening of infinite variety, where no two pieces are the same.
From a cheeky Chaucerian rewrite, “The Miller’s Tale”, to the sci-fi horror “Fingers and Thumbs”, these bite-sized plays cover the full gamut of theatre. Fast-paced, surprising, and full of character, there’s something here for everyone.

✨ The Plays & Playwrights

Welcome to Existence – Joe Smith
Kiwiana – Elizabeth Contreras
8 or 12 Weeks? – Cate Bauer
Fingers and Thumbs – Wayne Doyle
Bible Basher – Esther Ashby-Coventry
The Miller’s Tale – Harry Kirkwood
Best Mate – Suze Smith
A Most Useful Instinct – Suze Smith
The Final Draft – Suze Smith

🎟️ Performance Details
ONLY TWO PERFORMANCES📅 Thursday 11th & Friday 12th June 2026
💲 Adults: $20🎓 Students: $15
