Short Takes Erupts Onto the Taupo Landscape at Anzac Weekend

Short Takes Erupts Onto the Taupo Landscape This Anzac Weekend, with an International Line-up That Will Entertain and Impress with Music, Comedy, Theatre, Short Film and a Blockbuster Variety Show Gala.

 
With one-act plays and improv theatre for the theatre lovers, featuring some on New Zealand’s best actors and modern playwrights; to the Show Me Shorts selection of short films that are guaranteed to amuse, grip and delight you; or a comedy and music night that blends jazz and special guest international comedians; and a grand finale extravaganza with music, dance, comedy and more – Short Takes is a packed weekend of entertainment that offers something for everyone.
 
“Short Takes has been developed to provide a burst of fun and frivolity into Taupo during autumn,” says General Manager, Kylie Hawker-Green.  “It’s a short festival featuring short performances including award winning plays, stand-up comedy, jazz music, short films and improv theatre.”
 
Theatre shows include “Constantinople” from Theatre Beating, which has impressed audiences around New Zealand; and “Richard Meros Salutes the Southern Man” performed by Bruce Mason award-winning playwright and actor, Arthur Meek.  The two theatre shows are followed by NZ’s masters of Theatresports, ConArtists, who promise to titillate more than just your funny bone in two different hilarious improv shows all about the mating game.
 
On Friday night, Kiwi based English comedian, Rueben Lee will join with Mary Bourke (Ireland) and Jonny Brugh (NZ) at a one-off comedy and jazz revue, that will feature live music by David Goldthorpe performing as Chet Baker.  Hawkes Bay Today reviewer said David’s performance was ‘an extraordinary presentation that showcases musicianship and professionalism of the highest order... A five star evening's entertainment.’
Show Me Shorts is New Zealand’s major short film festival showcasing the best new short films from New Zealand and around the world, and two selections will be screened during Short Takes.
 
“Short films are not often screened in Taupō, so we’re hoping the local community will make the most of this opportunity and enjoy either the ‘Winners Selection’ that includes winners from previous Show Me Shorts Festivals, or the ‘Nerds Revenge Selection’ that celebrates the power of nerds,” said Mrs Hawker-Green.
 
The festival wraps up with a variety show at the Great Lake Centre on Saturday 27 April that includes a taste of the performances presented over the weekend.
 
“It’s great to include a family friendly variety show as part Short Takes, and we think the line-up of music, comedy and dance hosted by celebrated kiwi comedian Penny Ashton will be very entertaining,” said Mrs Hawker-Green.
 
Tickets for shows are only $30 per person with discounts available for groups, seniors and students; and tickets for Show Me Shorts film screenings are only $14 for adults.   A Season Pass can be purchased for only $120 per person which allows entry to all the shows over the weekend.  Tickets are available online at www.eventopia.co or at the Great Lake Centre, Taupo.
 
More information can be found at www.erupt.co.nz/short-takes
 
Rueban Lee, Comedian

Constantinople, one of the plays performed during Short Takes

Penny Ashton, MC for Short Takes Gala

Parallel, one of the Show Me Shorts films

ENDS

© Scoop Media