Bad Manners, Hilarious Comedy at The Court Theatre

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Bad Manners, Hilarious Comedy at The Court Theatre

A phenomenal cast take on an international smash in GOD OF CARNAGE, a “comedy of bad manners” opening at The Court Theatre on October 16th.

Mark Hadlow, Ross Gumbley, Lara Macgregor and Rima Te Wiata star in a new play by Yasmina Reza (author of ART and THE UNEXPECTED MAN) that strips away the veneer of civility to explore adults behaving badly.

Two affluent Parisian couples meet to discuss a playground incident between their respective sons. However, what begins as a civilised discussion between adults descends into decidedly childish behaviour as tempers fray. GOD OF CARNAGE has been staged around the world to rave reviews.

Director Jon Pheloung describes the team of Gumbley, Hadlow, Macgregor and Te Wiata as “the perfect cast for this ensemble comedy – we have two of the most recognisable faces in New Zealand alongside the two creative forces behind The Court Theatre. With all four characters together for the full ninety minutes, sparks fly on stage.”

Artistic Director of The Court Theatre Ross Gumbley says that “when I saw the glowing overseas reviews for GOD OF CARNAGE and read the script, I knew it was a show that audiences would adore.  Reza’s script is so well written (translated by Christopher Hampton) and these characters are a gift for any actor. And of course, with the comedic and acting talent as we have in this cast – Lara, Rima and the long-overdue return of Mark Hadlow to The Court – it was impossible to resist taking the stage alongside them.”

GOD OF CARNAGE runs from October 16 until November 13.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mark Hadlow last appeared at The Court in 2001’s MY FAIR LADY.
Lara Macgregor has been appointed as Artistic Director of the Fortune Theatre in Dunedin and will take up the role at the beginning of 2011. Lara is currently appearing in DON’T MENTION CASABLANCA in the evening and rehearsing GOD OF CARNAGE during the day – a practice known as “back-to-backing” in the theatre.
Rima Te Wiata will be “back-to-backing” to appear in the summer musical CABARET, opening November 20.
Ross Gumbley last appeared on stage in 2008’s THE BIRTHDAY BOY.
Jon Pheloung has appeared in numerous shows at The Court (SAVING GRACE, THE SEAGULL, ON THE ROCKS and EROS in 2010 alone). He directed BABYLON HEIGHTS in The Forge in 2007 and BAGHDAD, BABY! in 2008.
GOD OF CARNAGE  by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton
Directed by:           Jon Pheloung

Venue:    Court One, The Court Theatre, Christchurch

Cast:       Ross Gumbley, Mark Hadlow, Lara Macgregor and Rima Te Wiata

Production Dates:                16 October – 13 November 2010
Performances:      6pm Monday / Thursday; 7:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no show Sundays).  

Tickets:  Adults $46, Senior Citizens $39, Tertiary Students $27, School Children $16,  Group discount (20+) $37

Bookings:              The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz
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