Summer Theatre Season of 'Times of Your Life'

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL LEISURE

20 January, 2002

Media Statement

The Press Summer Theatre Season of 'Times of Your Life' set to bring humour to SummerTimes(tm).

SummerTimes(tm) presents The Press Summer Theatre Season of 'Times of Your Life' by The Outwits. Daffodil Lawns, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Friday 24 January to Sunday 9 February, 7pm. No Shows Mondays. Weekend and Waitangi Day matinees at 2pm except Saturday 8 February at 1pm. FREE

Although it won't be immediate obvious to audiences, there is indeed a tightly structured comedy format behind this years The Press Summer Theatre Season of 'Times of Your Life', performed nightly by The Outwits in the Botanic Gardens Daffodil Lawn, from January 24 to February 9th, as part of SummerTimes.

Used successfully in Scared Scriptless over the years, the 'recipe' takes one lucky celebrity, adds a grilling interview by national icon Bob Parker, extracts life-changing moments, blends them with comedy and a dash of improvisation by The Outwits team, to create a hilarious insight into the lives of people we know and love.

A rotating cast of seven Outwits will re-enact quintessential moments from the lives of such personalities as Mayor Garry Moore, Elric Hooper, Liz Moody, Lee Germon, Cal Wilson, Frank Endacott, Mark Hadlow, along with many others.

Every performance will be different, and audiences are guaranteed a great nights entertainment.

The Outwits Manager Richard Cosgrove is excited by this years concept. MORE... " We've worked with Bob before and in fact HE was a 'victim' of the format himself at one stage!' Richard says. "He obviously loves interviewing and performing, and he's very good at it."

Mayor Bob Parker is thrilled to be involved: "It'll be great fun! The Outwits have outstanding comedic skills, and every celebrity is in for an enjoyable ride!' Bob feels that audiences will go away with some real insight into the lives of local celebrities, as well as have a good laugh. "There will be smiles on faces all around", he says.

The Outwit performers include Greg Cooper, John Hudson, Fionnaula Kelly, Jared Corban, Simon Young, Paul Glubb, Andy Spago and Richard Cooper. Talented musician Hamish Oliver playing live on keyboards will join them. All the cast have been professional comedians in Christchurch for many years.

The streamlined but dynamic set design is by Harold Moot.

The Daffodil Lawn in the Botanic Gardens creates the perfect intimate setting for outdoor theatre. Picknickers may bring low chairs, and hot drinks are available onsite.

The Press Summer Theatre Season of 'Times of Your Life' is part of this years SummerTimes(tm) festival, which celebrates 20 years of entertaining local audiences this year. The free event is proudly produced by Christchurch City Council Leisure, and is supported by the The Press.

More festival information is available on www.summertimes.org.nz or by calling 941 6840 during office hours.

ENDS.

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