Programme – Shakespeare in Love
Director’s Note – Ewen Coleman QSM
“I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all.”
I am really proud to bring this stage version of this Disney classic to a Wellington stage for the first time. I saw the movie of Shakespeare In Love twice back in 1998 and loved every minute of it. I read the stage adaptation script when it was first released in 2014 and have always thought that it would be an amazing show for audiences and as a production experience for cast and crew. The show is incredibly well-suited for community theatre, with a large ensemble cast and some powerful individual roles.
The writers have created a personal story around Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps, together with a ‘behind the scenes’ interpretation of Romeo and Juliet and even a bit of history around how theatre actually worked during the Elizabethan period. For a period drama ‘tragic’ such as myself, that is an irresistible combination.
One of the incredible joys of this production has been working with the diverse team and their varied skills to bring the production to the stage. I have been blessed with an immense effort from a committed and talented production crew and cast to tell this story. My thanks go to everyone involved.
Shakespeare in Love is an entertaining play for the whole family: drama, humour, romance, fighting, dancing, music and singing and a large ensemble cast all play a role in bringing the story to life for a Wellington audience.
The Cast
Note that many cast members play more characters than described below, typical of an ensemble play of this style.
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Will Shakespeare | Christopher Horne |
| Viola De Lesseps / Thomas Kent | Yasmine Alani |
| Christopher Marlowe | James Kiesel |
| Henslowe | Rio Futschek Ryan |
| Fennyman | Jimmy Sutcliffe |
| Richard Burbage | Simon Lissaman |
| Lord Wessex | Kevin Hastings |
| Queen Elizabeth I | Catherine McMechan |
| Sir Robert De Lesseps | Tony Burton |
| Edmund Tilney (Lord Chamberlain) | Alister Williams |
| Nurse | Marjorie McKee |
| Mistress Quickly | Maria Buchanan |
| Ned Alleyn / Mercutio | Chris Stone |
| Peter / Tybalt | Gunnar Schoenborn |
| Nol / Valentine | James Gluck |
| Ralph / Nurse | Steve Bell |
| Adam / Benvolio | Brandon Byrne |
| Robin / Lady Capulet | Rachit Bhardwaj |
| Tom / Abraham | Jack Larsen |
| Sam / Juliet | Finnian Nacey |
| Wabash | Zia Ravenscroft |
| Webster | Lachlan Mead |
| Molly | Amy Bradshaw |
| Kate | Daisy Grace |
| Ruth | Hannah Petrie Peter |
| Polly | Angelica Thomas |
| Spot the Dog | Equinox (Justine Crayford) |
Band and Music
| Musical Director, Keyboards and Percussion | Kathryn Ennis |
| Flute, Piccolo | Sarah Dillon |
| Cello, Melodeon | Nathan Parker |
| Clarinet | Alana Docherty, Dan Young |
| Singers | Amy Bradshaw (Soloist), Maria Buchanan, Marjorie McKee, Hannah Petrie-Peter, Daisy Grace, Jack Larsen, Finnian Nacey, Alister Williams, Kevin Hastings |
A note from Kathryn Ennis: I would like to acknowledge, with my utmost respect and gratitude, all the members of the band and also my singers. You made my job as Musical Director so rewarding – not to mention, lots of fun! Thank you again, all of you.
Crew
| Director | Ewen Coleman QSM |
| Musical Director | Kathryn Ennis |
| Choreographer | Mel Heaphy |
| Production Manager | Oliver Mander, Liz Hitchings |
| Stage Manager | Jamie Byas assisted by Gillian Boyes Rehearsal support: Hayley Knight |
| Fight Choreographer | Simon Manns |
| Fight Captain | James Kiesel |
| Intimacy Coach | Lori Leigh |
| Prompt | Liz Hitchings |
| Stage Hands | Zac Langridge |
| Dressers | Wendy Howard, Jess Roulston |
| Set Design | Scott Maxim |
| Set Construction | Will Stoltz, Vince Jennings, Oliver Mander, Ross Foubister |
| Wardrobe and make-up | Anne de Geus assisted by Carol Walter, Callie Chinery-Tompkins, Angelica Thomas Wigs by Finnian Nacey |
| Props Co-ordinator | Liz Hitchings |
| Lighting Design | Devon Heaphy |
| Lighting Operator | Jan de Geest |
| Lighting Riggers | Angela Wei, Emma Bell, Jess Roulston, Jamie Byas, Henry Hastings, Will Hastings |
| Photography, Videography | Gunnar Schoenborn |
| Poster Design | Freya Johnson |
| Publicity & Ticketing | Oliver Mander |
| Front of House | Paul Stone and friends of WRT |
President’s Note
Wellington Repertory Theatre is proud to deliver this real cracker of a season opener: Shakespeare in Love. The cast and crew have been working hard on this production over the summer months and look forward to revealing the romantic life of the great playwright. Romance, comedy, drama, thrills – Shakespeare in Love has it all. This play has broad appeal and is a great way to start our 2025 performance season.
Wellington Repertory Theatre’s 2025 season contains many other gems too. Next up is the classic thriller Dial M for Murder. Some of you may have seen the Hitchcock film; we promise you the stage version will be equally compelling. Then there’s the mid-year “double”. In the daytime, we’ll be running a children’s show Red Riding Hood and Friends to coincide with the school holidays. And in the evenings, an intense very adult drama, D H Lawrence’s The Fox based on the short story by D H Lawrence. If you like your plays to pack an emotional punch, here’s one for you. Later in 2025, we round out the season with a full staging of The Great Gatsby. Enjoy all the colour and tragedy from one of the world’s most beloved stories.
Maybe you’ve decided that 2025 is the year you join (or rejoin) community theatre? Great idea, say I! Wellington Repertory Theatre is always open to anyone with a positive attitude who’d like to help with the many things, large or small, that make up a complete production. We are a friendly lot, and great fun to be with – get in touch with us at secretary@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz or simply follow the QR code below.
Paul Stone
President
Thanks to our Supporters
Thanks to Ideal Electrical (and their manager, William Shakespeare!) for the use of their carpark.
We would also like to acknowledge Simon Manns for the loan of the swords and associated materials used in the show, James the Blacksmith (Tokoroa) for the loan of the pewter tankards and Stagecraft Theatre for supporting props and costumes
Wellington Repertory Theatre appreciates the support of Whitehaven Wines (supplied by Regional Wines & Spirits).
Coming up in 2025!
Bookings for all shows can be made at this link.
Dial M for Murder
written by Frederick Knott
May 21st-31st
Directed by Neil Brewer
Red Riding Hoods and Friends
written by Jamie Byas and Caitlin Duff
July 8th-13th
Directed by Jamie Byas and Devin Stinton
DH Lawrence’s ‘The Fox’
adapted for the stage by Keith Scott
July 9th-19th
Directed by Annabel Hensley
The Great Gatsby
written by Ken Duncum
Oct 29th-Nov 8th
Directed by Catherine McMechan