Little Andromeda is set to launch its seventh annual Christmas comedy, this year titled A Christchurch Carol, a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale reimagined for Christchurch audiences.
Written by Gregory Cooper and directed by Dan Bain, the one-hour show promises plenty of local flavour, political satire, and even a touch of nostalgia.
Cooper hinted that the script may include a prominent political figure in chains, a nod to the Christchurch mayoral election outcome, as well as a recreation of the city’s legendary Palladium nightclub.
Producer Michael Bell said the Christmas shows have become a much-loved tradition since they began in 2019.
Photo credit: Little Andromeda
“The annual show always sells out,” Bell said. “Last year, along with other politicians, we totally roasted Phil Mauger. We were nervous about inviting him, but he came along and took it like a champ.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the show was “absolutely brilliant, I couldn’t stop laughing. They took the mickey out of everyone, it was a fantastic night.”
This year’s show comes with a bonus for ticket-holders.
The Craft Embassy is sponsoring a dinner-for-two prize valued at $120 for each night of the season. Eleven winners will be drawn on 20 November by drag queen Anita Wigl’it. “It’s an absolutely insane prize, one per night – your odds are worth it,” Bell said.
Bell also said A Christchurch Carol was perfect for work functions. “With tickets so reasonably priced, and a show that appeals to a wide demographic, it’s a really safe bet.”
Photo credit: Little Andromeda
The cast includes James Kupa, Reylene-Rose Hilaga and Tom Eason. Kupa, who played the Three Wise Men – Luxon, Seymour and Peters – in last year’s O Little Town of Beckenham, returns for this year’s production.
The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, described as “the Mainland’s most miserly miser,” who hears carols by candlelight in Victoria Square through his boarded-up window on Christmas Eve. From there, the familiar Dickens tale takes a distinctly Christchurch twist.
-
A Christchurch Carol * runs from 4 to 20 December at 7pm each night at Little Andromeda. Tickets can be booked at achristchurchcarol.com or littleandromeda.co.nz.
