Our next production - 31st July to 9th August


This wild and clever spoof is based on a melodramatic novel attributed to Thomas Prest, the creator of Sweeney Todd. In 1900, weary vampire Sir Francis Varney shows up at an inn in Italy. He plans to visit a haunted grotto and ask forgiveness from a lost love whose ghost is doomed to roam the landscape wearing a thin veil over her face. Varney forgets his mission and proceeds to snarl and snap at everyone in sight, especially an English damsel. Varney is shot, stabbed with a wooden stake and hanged. Still he survives! The action gets sillier and sillier (and funnier and funnier) as Inspector Balsadella seeks answers for the strange goings on. The tongue in cheek style is a howl, and there are many optional, corny stage effects as well as a zany cast of characters. Ultimately Varney manages to destroy himself.
Performance dates and times are:
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Thursday 31st July at 7.30pm
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Friday 1st August at 7.30pm
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Saturday 2nd August at 7.30pm
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Sunday 3rd August at 2pm (matinee)
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Wednesday 6th August at 7.30pm
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Thursday 7th August at 7.30pm
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Friday 8th August at 7.30pm
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Saturday 9th August at 7.30pm
Online ticket purchases ($28 plus $2 booking fee) are on sale NOW also at Piako Stationery Supplies ($30 cash only) in Whitaker St, Te Aroha from 9am Monday 21st July.
At the Little Theatre
The Theatre is centrally located and well-equipped. The Society receives good support from the community. We provide the chance for people of all ages and walks of life to become involved with any aspects of theatre production; from acting through to backstage, lighting and sound, advertising, marketing and promotion.
Great plays
The society aims to stage three plays a year - usually March, June and November. With a great legacy behind us, we are proud of the quality of our plays. Follow our Facebook page to keep up-to-date with audition calls and what's on.
Costume hire
Our range of costumes is stunning and vast. See our gallery page for proof! For your next event why not get in touch? We love seeing our wardrobe enjoyed by the community.
Fun opportunities
Putting on a production is hard work, fun, and ultimately very satisfying. We need a range of skills - it's not just about being on stage! We would love to have you join us. Come along to our regular Tuesday morning gatherings at 10 am, or contact us below.
Membership
For an annual fee you can support the Society's work, get discounts for costume and theatre hire, and receive a regular newsletter keeping you informed.
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Annual membership fees are
$20 for single persons,
$30 for couples,
$35 for families.
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To renew your membership for 1st April 2024 to March 31st 2025 please pay to our bank account:
03-1573-0041082-000
Use your name as a reference.
Theatre Hire
The theatre is available for hire. It has hosted musical concerts, school performances, writers group, drama classes, and last year was the venue for a New Zealand short film premiere. We offer:
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comfortable air-conditioned auditorium
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raked seating for approx. 80 people
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toilet facilities
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42m2 stage with additional wing space
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spacious backstage changing room with lit mirrors
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sound and lighting equipment
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foyer with a bar area and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Radio Te Aroha 88 FM
We own and operate Radio Te Aroha, which is run by volunteers and publicises community groups and their activities, local businesses, and local music artists.
The station offers a fantastic opportunity to local businesses by offering radio advertisements that cost just $200 for a whole year.
If you’d like to volunteer, please get in touch. We're always looking for locals who are keen to do voiceovers for our community organisations and our commercial advertisers. Listen in via the player below.