Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre is inviting people to its upcoming productions of the plays The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Beatrix Potter Stories, which are both staged in east Auckland later this month.
Director Michelle Field says the former is a play by Joseph Robinette, based on the fantasy novel by CS Lewis.
“In the story four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, discover a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe which is under the icy rule of the White Witch.
“With the help of Aslan, a noble lion and true king, the children fight against the Witch and her fierce army to restore peace and freedom.
“It’s an adventure story that explores themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, redemption, and the power of faith and courage.
“The show features many mythical creatures such as unicorns, centaurs, wood nymphs and a couple of friendly beavers.”
Field says the cast have been rehearsing twice a week for the past eight weeks and its members ranges in age from nine to 15 years old.
“It’s been hard work putting together quite a complicated show, but so much fun and very satisfying to see this wonderful cast bring these mythical creatures to life.
“Their energy, imagination, and commitment will make Narnia a truly magical place.”
The play is suitable for audience members aged five and older.
It’s two hours long and is at 1.30pm and 4pm on June 28-29 at Harlequin Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick.
Beatrix Potter Stories
This is a one-hour show comprised of six of Beatrix Potter’s most well-known and well-loved stories.
The cast of 26 children who range in age from even to 13 have been rehearsing once a week since February and all perform in two stories each.
Director Kelly Raos says the stories are linked by the wonderful character of Mrs Tiggy Winkle and two girls. Beatrix Potter began writing her stories in the early 1900s.
Her stories are whimsical, gentle, nature-inspired tales featuring a variety of loveable animals, each story with its own moral lesson.
Some of the characters audiences will enjoy seeing include the mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother and sneaks into Mr McGregor’s garden, Mr Jeremy Fisher, a frog who loves fishing, and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, a kind, tidy hedgehog washerwoman who does the laundry for the animals in the countryside.
“I’ve loved working with this wonderful cast,” Raos says.
“In amongst the learning of lines and moves, is the wonderful opportunity for them to experience the delightful world of Beatrix Potter.
“I’m certain this show will be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.”
Beatrix Potter Stories plays at Harlequin Theatre at 10am and 11.30am on June 28-29. It’s suitable for an people aged four and older.
To book tickets to either show, email hcyt@xtra.co.nz or phone 537 4943.
