ATC's The Lolly Witch of Mumuland opens 11 April

5 March, 2015

ALL BOUND FOR MUMULAND...AGAIN

Watch out for The Lolly Witch!

Auckland Theatre Company is taking audiences, young and old, back to the wacky world of Mumuland in the April and July school holidays.

The talented writer of 2014's hugely popular Polly Hood in Mumuland, Lauren Jackson and co-writer Lolo Fonua have dreamed up another raucous adventure in the madcap wonderland. However, while Polly Hood was based on the Little Red Riding Hood story, The Lolly Witch of Mumuland takes its inspiration fromHansel and Gretel.

Co-directed by Polly Hood's Alison Quigan and Troy Tu'ua, The Lolly Witch of Mumuland will have two seasons; the first at Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku from 11 - 18 April and the second at Selwyn College Theatre from 9-14 July.

Twenty-first-century kids Hans and Gertie, hungry for food and adventure, go on a journey to save their family from the breadline, but unfortunately end up in the clutches of a wicked, Zumba-dancing witch! With a little help from talking pigs, magical fairies and racing snails, and the always fabulous and ever-hilarious Aunty Sila, can Hans and Gertie sing and dance their way out of trouble, or will they end up as the Lolly Witch's next sweet treat?

Starring Faamanu Vaueli (Sinarella, Mixed Nuts) and Lavinia 'Uhila (The Factory) in the lead roles - Hans and Gertie - and the hilarious Kate-Louise Elliot (Calendar Girls) as the infamous witch, The Lolly Witch of Mumuland is a new New Zealand work that, like Polly Hood, is set to become a classic Pasifika comedy for kids and adults alike.

The supporting cast will form somewhat of a reunion from last year's Polly Hood in Mumuland, as alumni from The Pacific Institute of Performing Arts take the stage. Other cast members include Samson Chan-Boon as Dad (Polly Hood in Mumuland, Goodbye My Feleni), Unaloto Funaki as Aunty Sila (Polly Hood in Mumuland), Tavai Faasavalu as Poaka Piggy (Polly Hood in Mumuland, The Factory, Tartuffe), and Luse su'a as Prudence Piggy (Polly Hood in Mumuland,Homes). Music will be performed by Joseph Taouma.

With a chorus of 25, including children aged 10-15, consisting largely of young South Auckland talent, The Lolly Witch of Mumuland promises to deliver one of the zaniest journeys across Auckland. With a little bit of help from younger patrons, and a lot of imagination, audiences will be transported away from the mundane to a magical world.

For more information or to order a copy of Auckland Theatre Company's 2015 season brochure, please visit www.atc.co.nz.

ENDS

SEASON INFORMATION

Dates: Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku 11 - 18 April; Selwyn College Theatre 9-14 July

Tickets: www.atc.co.nz or (09) 309 0390

CAST

Gertie: Lavinia 'Uhila

Hans: Faamanu Vaueli

Lolly Witch: Kate-Louise Elliot

Aunty Sila: Unaloto Funaki

Dad: Samson Chan-Boon

Poaka Piggy: Tavai Faasavalu

Prudence Piggy: Luse Su'a

Musician: Joseph Taouma

CREATIVE TEAM

Co-directors: Alison Quigan and Troy Tu'ua

Set Design: Rachael Walker

Costume Design: Sara Burren

Lighting Design: Andrew Potvin

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