The Lonesome Buckwhips’ Charity Gala @ Downstage

Armstrong Creative presents
THE LONESOME BUCKWHIPS’ CHARITY GALA
Billy T Nominees 2008
Direct from Brisbane, Hamilton and Lyttelton

“Astute social and political satire, stitched into the cleverly structured lyrics for maximum effect and delivered with total clarity, permeates all their work….
Truly wicked is the best phrase to describe The Lonesome Buckwhip's Charity Gala, brilliantly conceived and delivered by a seriously talented quartet.”
John Smythe, www.theatreview.co.nz, April 2008

Following recent performances in Brisbane, Hamilton and Lyttelton, The Lonesome Buckwhips return to Wellington for three shows only at Downstage Theatre.

Dunedin’s finest family band dig themselves out of a financial pit and attempt to put their differences aside as they reunite for the sake of charity. Arty Buckwhip (Arthur Meek), Benny Buckwhip (Ben Hutchison), Gary Buckwhip (Gareth Williams) and their non-biological sister Miri Buckwhip (Miriama Ketu) - reinvigorate their flailing careers playing a mix of old favourites (Santa King of the Jews), new and banned material (Please Don’t Take My Benefit Away), and reflect on a career spent trying to part you from your money.

The Lonesome Buckwhips are not afraid of controversy. A recent performance of their original song Christchurch, City of Hate on TV3s AotearoHa Comedy special, prompted immediate response in The Press from Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker.

“The negative stereotypes that some people have about Christchurch are usually perpetuated by people that do not know or live in the city. The Buckwhips come from Wellington and Dunedin and that tells us all we need to know. No wonder they can only write narrow-minded, depressing songs,'' Mayor Parker said.

"Mayor Bob's comments make me ashamed that my name also begins with a B," replied Benny Buckwhip.

In another controversial move, The Buckwhips had planned to play their Olympic Anthem at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. On realizing none of them had passports, the Buckwhips’ were forced to cancel their performance. Instead, Chinese authorities hired two small children and they've been regretting it ever since

Also regretting it was the New Zealand Olympic squad, who were denied the chance to hear the inspirational song. This led to a savaging in the first week of the games. No medals, no glory, something had to give, and as usual it was The Buckwhips.

They gave the song to TV3 and Radio New Zealand. It was played on the night of Friday 15th August during AotearoHA and on the morning of the 16th by Kim Hill on her Saturday programme. Within 24 hours New Zealand had won more medals than the previous two Olympics combined. As so often is the case, another day at the office for the Lonesome Buckwhips leads to another chapter in the history books for New Zealand sport.

The Lonesome Buckwhips’ Charity Gala is onstage feuding, political satire and family fun rolled into the catchiest tunes this side of Te Wai Pounamu. All proceeds will go to a South Island family band of the Buckwhips choosing.

“Smart, sharp and viciously funny” Capital Times

The Lonesome Buckwhips’
Charity Gala
3 SHOWS ONLY
Monday September 29, Tuesday September 30
and Wednesday 1 October
at 8.15pm
Duration: 1 hour

Book at Downstage
www.downstage.co.nz
Phone 801 6946
Tickets $25 $20 student rush if available
www.myspace.com/lonesomebuckwhips

ENDS

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