Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant

Auckland Live presents The Court Theatre’s

Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant

Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 April, 2015
Based on the beloved children’s book written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Music, lyrics and adaptation by Luke Di Somma

When a backyard plant grows higher than a house, an unlikely friendship develops between an eccentric old lady and two bored schoolchildren.

Mrs McGinty is known around the neighbourhood for being grumpy, but deep down she longs for friends. So when the kids next door get bored during their school holidays, Mrs McGinty is the perfect target to play pranks on – you will always get a rise out of her. They spend the summer shooting arrows in her cabbages, hiding rocks in her letterbox and coming up with new tricks to drive her crazy. But all that is about to change when Mrs McGinty sprouts a plant in her garden that just keeps growing and growing. She and the children team up to nurture it because after all, it takes a community to grow something amazing.

Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant is a heartwarming story that has been transformed in to a theatrical delight for children of all ages by Christchurch’s The Court Theatre.

Georgina Cervin, Manager of Programme Development at Auckland Live, says she is delighted to be hosting The Court Theatre’s first Auckland season since rebuilding their venue in Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes. “After the earthquakes, The Court Theatre has gone from strength to strength. The Court has always had a strong commitment to children’s theatre and their production of Gavin Bishop’s much loved New Zealand book Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant is a really fun family treat. We’re thrilled to be hosting one of New Zealand’s top theatre companies at the Bruce Mason Centre for their first Auckland season, and look forward to sharing this fantastic show with audiences here these school holidays.

“After all, Mrs McGinty is about communities coming together and building friendships. The Court Theatre’s resurrection has been embraced by the Auckland arts community, and we are delighted to support them by hosting them here in Auckland.”

Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant was a finalist of NZ Children’s Book of the Year, 1982, and the story has been brought to life from the page to the stage with the blessing of its author Gavin Bishop.

The audience will be delighted with clever surprises from the set and sound design including puppets, pirates, dinosaurs and Robin Hood – not to mention colourful Mrs McGinty and her bizarre plant.

Don’t miss this wonderful children’s story and visual feast at the Bruce Mason Centre for five shows only.

“A refreshing change from refabricated fairy stories, the production is bound to fulfill that pre-show buzz for many a lucky one and minder.” Lindsay Clark, Theatreview.

TREASURE TRAIL:
Come early and enjoy the treasure trail from 9.45am featuring the Imagination Playground, face painting and fun activities and crafts.

Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant plays
Live at Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna
Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 April, 2015
Two shows Thursday and Saturday, 10.30am and 1.00pm
One show Friday, 10.30am

TICKETS: $15 per person, Family Pass (four tickets) $44* (service fees apply)
BOOKING THROUGH Ticketmaster.co.nz or 09 970 9700

Show duration: 60 minutes
Music, lyrics and adaptation by Luke Di Somma
Brought to you by Auckland Live

For all media and listing enquiries please contact: Lydia Brewer, 027 3186 027, lydiabrewer@gmail.com

Auckland Live is proud to present a range of shows and events especially for families. The Bruce Mason Centre is our leading theatre venue on Auckland’s North Shore. This year we will be presenting even more family entertainment at Bruce Mason Centre including our ever-popular free Pick & Mix events.
For more information visit Aucklandlive.co.nz

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