A true New Zealand story of love, loss and courage

Jonny Brugh Presents...
The Second Test
Written and Performed by Jonathan Brugh

A true New Zealand story of love, loss and courage

In 1953, the New Zealand Cricket Team embarked on its maiden tour to South Africa, including 22 year-old fast bowler Bob Blair.

On Christmas Eve, disaster struck in the form of a lahar down Mt Ruapehu, the infamous Tangiwai disaster. Amongst the 151 victims is Blair’s new fiancé, Nerissa Love.

The Second Test tells Blair’s story, one of the most famed in New Zealand sporting history. In cricketing circles the tale is legendary, full of drama, emotion and bravery.

Iconic sporting moment meets theatre in The Second Test!

Jonathan Brugh is an actor, playwright and amateur cricketer. Best known for his comedy work (The Jaquie Brown Diaries, Pulp Comedy), the Billy T Award Winner (1998) has combined his love of the stage and New Zealand’s summer game to create The Second Test.

“This story means a lot to the Cricket community, but I think it will resonate with any New Zealander who feels a sense of National pride,” Brugh says.” It is for young people to see a slice of our history. It is for our seniors who will remember the tragedy of Tangiwai.”

The Second Test is a humourous, sad and wonderfully poignant true story of courage in the face of the ultimate loss. This is a portrait of a young man waking up to a terrible darkness and finding the courage to walk into the light.

“Entertaining, fascinating, and celebratory The Second Test is not just for cricket fanatics but for anyone who enjoys good theatre and a true, gripping story in which the human spirit is shown to triumph without descending into either sentimentality or brazenness.” – Laurie Atkinson, Dominion Post

30 March – 17 April
The Fortune Theatre Studio,
Tues – Sat 7.30pm and Sun 4.00pm (no show Mon)
Bookings: 03 477 8323 or www.fortunetheatre.co.nz
Tickets: $30 (full) and $20 (concession)

ENDS

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