Queenstown kids can enjoy a lively theatre experience, featuring a group of travelling wildlife these school holidays.
The Land of the Long Long Drive, which won the 2022 Playmarket Plays for the Young comp, is the work of the Horse With No Name theatre
company.
Ironically, on a long drive herself right now, taking the show to children across the motu, co-creator Catriona Tipene’s upbeat about the story of three friends travelling to a mate’s rave in a cave.
Yep, it’s a little different to the stuffy theatre boomers remember from their school days.
Tipene says Weta (Tahg Mackay), Tuna (Salome Grace) and Karearea (Gabby Clark) drive a VW Combi, talk and have sing-alongs on their way to Gary the Glowworm’s birthday party — which also happens to be his coming-out celebration.
Tipene was on a road trip herself, with her partner in theatre and life, Ryan Cindy, to see the Muriwai gannet colony when they started writing the show.
‘‘We thought, ‘what does it mean to be on a road trip?’
‘‘Cars can be a pressure cooker, we wanted to do a story that celebrates friends’ differences.
‘‘The three creatures we’ve chosen have interesting characteristics; we take on board their physical traits and have given them personalities that reflect that.
‘‘It’s a coming-of-age story, it’s very transformative — no one ends the play as they started off.’’
They play also has a topical message: ‘‘It’s OK to ask for help and lift each other up.
‘‘You can let your guard down around people you love.’’
Tipene, who plays three different characters, enlisted her famous singer-songwriter brother, Benny, to create some toe-tappers for the show, including for the ‘‘boy band of frogs’’, The Poraka Creek Boys, with costuming courtesy of Royal New Zealand Ballet costumier Victoria Gridley.
She says they’ve had ‘‘really favourable responses’’ to the show in the North Island.
‘‘There’s nothing better than to make children feel safe and inspired.’’
While the show’s aimed at kids aged 3 to 8, its themes and humour appeals to all ages.
The Land of the Long Long Drive, Arrowtown Community Centre, Centennial Ave, Thursday, April 25, 2.30pm. Tickets, $10, via Humanitix
