Improv Pioneers on Air in Old-Style 'Radio Show'

14 December 2005 Media Statement

Improv Pioneers on the Air in the All-New Old-Style ‘Radio Show!’!

The Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) interrupts regular theatre programming to bring you a pioneering show - the ‘All-New Old-Time ‘Radio Show’ at BATS Theatre in January 2006. The show will push the frontier of theatre accessibility and innovation in New Zealand.

“The ‘Radio Show!’ is totally improvised comedy show in the style of the golden age of radio, created and performed by WIT’s leading improvisers” said WIT ‘Radio Show!’ Producer Nicola Hill. “There have been staged radios plays, and there have been improv comedy shows. This is the first attempt at combining the two. WIT may well make ‘air waves’ this summer”.

An old-style variety radio show will be made up on the spot, based entirely on suggestions from the audience and using only the technology of the era. “WIT’s ‘Radio Players’ will transport the BATS ‘live studio’ audience back to a surreal summer in the fictitious 1930s - a simpler time of stories, songs and standard King’s English. These plucky young pioneers of the stage will create a show without any script at all” Hill said.

The ‘Radio Show!’ will also provide a unique aural theatre experience accessible for those that are sight-impaired. “We hope to attract new audience to the theatre and are excited about supporting the work of the Royal Foundation of the Blind. Donations will be collected by the Blind Foundation on the night and this will fund the development of a new ‘Talking Book’ for members of the Blind Foundation.” Hill said.

‘Radio Show’ will also be the first theatre show in Wellington to be ‘podcast’ on the internet. “Innovation and accessibility are fundamental to WIT’s creative philosophy” said Hill. “Elements of the show will be podcast on WIT’s website, so that anyone in the world with access to the internet can download a piece of New Zealand theatre”.

Radio Show is the latest innovation from the improvisers that won the 2003 New Zealand Fringe Festival Comedy Award and sold-out BATS in seasons of 'Lovepossibly' ("no script, just guts, teamwork and imagination" - Capital Times) and 'Gorilla Theatre' ("edge-of-your-seat comedy - TV3 Nightline).
Featuring WIT's radio players - Ryan Hartigan, Nicola Hill, Pete Hodgson and Simon Smith - and accompanied by a foley of artists - Anton van Helden, Richard Samaeli, Jamie Burgess, Paul Sullivan and Kirstin Price.

Booking information:

When: 7pm, Thursday 12 - Saturday 21 January 2006.
Where: Tune into BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington.
Bookings: book@bats.co.nz, ph 802 4175 (24 hr answerphone!) or door sales from 6pm on the night.
How much: $15 (Full) / $12 (Group 8+/Concession/Child).
How long: This is a 70 minute show.
Podcast: wit.org.nz

Visit wit.org.nz to read more about WIT.

ENDS

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