Babooshka
2025-10-31 19:30 - 2025-11-08 21:30 UTC | 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

Tom, Dick & Harry
2025-11-28 19:00 - 2025-12-06 21:30
Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby — it’s the happiest day of their lives… or at least it would have been if Tom’s well-meaning brothers, Dick and Harry, hadn’t decided to “help.”
Their efforts quickly spiral out of control, resulting in two illegal immigrants, a van full of contraband cigarettes, and one very inconvenient dead body!
With the arrival of the Supervisor from the Adoption Agency and the local Police Constable, Tom’s quick thinking is pushed to the limit. But surely things can’t get any worse… can they?
Oh yes, they can!
Dick and Harry’s ever-helpful plans go from bad to utterly disastrous, adding a Russian Mafia mobster and a reality TV crew into the mix. Then it really starts to get complicated!
We’re thrilled to present this Amateur Community Theatre Production, by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd and Play Bureau Ltd.

The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People - Encore Season
2026-02-25 19:30 - 2026-03-01 16:30
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.

Dreamland Project - Workshop
2026-03-07 10:00 - 14:00
Dreamland Project Workshop –
Help Write the League’s Future

The Dreamland Project is our working guide, a living document designed to keep the South Canterbury Drama League strong, efficient, and a society we can all be proud of.
But the League is nothing without its members and supporters.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for the Dreamland Project Workshop a collaborative, creative brainstorming session where every idea is welcome.
🗓 Saturday, March 7th, 10.00am–2.00pm📍 The Playhouse
Together we’ll explore everything that shapes our future, including:

Shows, events and programming ideas

Growing audiences and membership

Strengthening connections with schools, artists, cultural groups and local organisations

Training in acting, directing, writing, technical theatre and governance

Sound, lighting and technical development

Enhancing facilities and front-of-house experience

Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all

Looking after volunteers

Have an idea you’ve always wanted to share?Now’s your chance.
Whether you’re a performer, technician, volunteer, supporter, audience member, or simply passionate about theatre, your voice matters.
✨ Come help write the next act of the League’s story.🥪 Lunch is on us (please advise any dietary requirements).
📩 RSVP by March 4th, 2026 for catering purposes: manager@dramaleague.org.nz
Let’s dream boldly and shape the future of our League together.

Shrek The Musical
2026-04-16 07:00 - 2026-04-25 21:00
Get ready for a hilarious, heartwarming fairy-tale adventure with Shrek The Musical! (DreamWorks)
Based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film Shrek and the beloved book by William Steig, this larger-than-life stage production brings everyone’s favorite ogre to life in a dazzling musical spectacle.
Join Shrek, a grumpy but lovable ogre, whose peaceful swamp is suddenly invaded by fairy-tale misfits. To reclaim his home, Shrek sets out on an unforgettable quest alongside a fast-talking Donkey and the feisty Princess Fiona. Along the way, they encounter dragons, villains, and plenty of surprises!
Filled with catchy songs, vibrant costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a powerful message about friendship, love, and embracing who you truly are, Shrek The Musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Don’t miss this magical, muddy, and monstrously fun experience!

Petite Plays
2026-06-11 19:00 - 2026-06-12 21:30
🎭 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

School Holiday Theatre Programme - This programme is now FULL!
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-09 18:00
This programme is FULL!!! You can still sign up though to go on our wait list. If a spot becomes available we’ll be in touch.

The South Canterbury Drama League invites registrations for the School Holiday Theatre Programme on at the Playhouse from the 6th – 9th July 2026.

Your tutors Ben Donaldson, Leah Simmons and Emily Rentoul are looking forward to taking students through this fun, jam packed, four day programme of theatre.

Open to children aged 7+ this programme will provide an opportunity for learning in a fit for purpose theatre. A fantastic, fun programme for newcomers and experienced performers alike, will help children learn, polish and develop skills in theatre. At the end of the four days, the participants will put on a performance of their learnings from through the week. This is always a highlight.
Acting techniques/dance/singing/and much more..
DATES: Mon 6th – Thurs 9th July.
TIMES: 9-3pm Thurs 9-finish
PERFORMANCES: Thurs 9th July 3pm and 4.45pm
(your child must be available for these performances to take part in the programme)

NON MEMBER – $220 (INCLUDES MEMBERSHIP)
MEMBER – $195
*FAMILY DISC. take 10% off participation fee *discount not included in membership portion.

Please wait for an invoice to be sent.
REGISTER HERE

Come From Away
2026-07-24 19:30 - 2026-08-08 21:30
Set to a pulsating music blend of Irish folk/rock, COME FROM AWAY is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001.
Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travellers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
