September 6, 2007

Favourite Theatre?

stephen gallagher            posted 27 Aug 2007, 02:26 PM / edited 6 Sep 2007, 09:33 AM

Greetings everyone,

A question for the people who work in theatre or attend theatre:

What is your favourite theatre in New Zealand to work in / watch theatre in and why?

Thanks!

S

Julia Forsythe    posted 28 Aug 2007, 02:54 PM / edited 6 Sep 2007, 09:34 AM

I find Bats has the most promise of something new and exciting- a box of chocolates where you never know what you’re going to get. Cout One is a great space- seats quite a few but also intimate, although changing the space is quite restricted.

I usually enjoy shows which aren’t in specific “theatres” or which are performed in little used spaces ie The space where Dark Tourists was performed was great, as was the car park for Clockwork Orange- although the show itself wasn’t excellent, the atmosphere was.

Often for me it is the atmosphere and the crowd at the show which enhances a space/ a performance.

Thomas LaHood                posted 28 Aug 2007, 03:12 PM / edited 6 Sep 2007, 09:34 AM

It’s more or less impossible to go past Bats for all-round variety and freshness.  I quite like Studio 77 as a venue too and I’ve seen some great work there.

But I think also the St. James must be noted for it’s beauty, which as a host for Slava’s Snowshow really took my theatre-going experience to a higher plane.  And I reckon we need more shows in tents.  I love tents.

Brian Hotter       posted 28 Aug 2007, 08:40 PM / edited 28 Aug 2007, 08:42 PM

“BATs” Theatre of course.

I am yet to feel that any other theatre is available to me, but other than that they have been good to me since I was sixteen years old i.e Young and Hungry 1994, Strange Brew …

It is not just that they are open to accept one and all, but that they are open and supportive of new comers of quality.  Sure you could argue that there could be more quality control at BATs, and I agree they put too much on.  Too many shows have to share the space and compromise their set and technical time.  There is just so much demand for new work to have a space, and virtually no other place in Wellington for those new works to go.  So BATs has no choice but to cram its program to the brim.

I just would like to say look at the Chapman Tripps for the last couple of years and see how many came or originated from BATs theatre and compare this with how many actual performances (on average a maximum of 7) the said nomination/award had.  You have your answer to the question of favourite theatre if not indeed best theatre of Wellington.

Rachel Forman posted 28 Aug 2007, 10:41 PM

I love the intimacy of BATS. I love the slightly rugged and kitch feeling it has to it- you can almost feel the layers and layers of paint everywhere. However I do find it frustrating as a performer and audience member that shows at BATS don’t get much of a season beyond two weeks and therefore co-ops often miss out on getting any profit, and shows don’t have a chance to build audience momentum.

Michael Wray    posted 28 Aug 2007, 11:19 PM / edited 28 Aug 2007, 11:20 PM

I’m not a big fan of the St James, though I must agree with Thomas on its beauty. However, whenever I go there I sometimes feel like I’m cheating on Bats, Circa and Downstage.

I like the cheap and cheerful approach at Bats and the way that you come across shows that are absolutely superb as well as ones that don’t deliver… without really knowing in advance what it will be tonight. The staff make it special.  Dan, Glen, Mia … all remember your name and greet you as a friend. Circa has a great venue, with the dining option making it a nice place to spend a whole evening beyond just the show when you feel so inclined. I have to have some bias towards Downstage, though the building doesn’t have that open feeling that the Bats and Circa buildings do.

In Auckland, I give it to Silo. It has a similar feel to Bats, albeit with a greater production budget. I like a lot of the work that the ATC do, they don’t have a proper home and Silo feels welcoming.

Aaron Alexander              posted 6 Sep 2007, 09:31 AM

I want to give some ‘props’, as the kids say, to Circa. Mainly for the upstairs area – well appointed rehearsal rooms, nice kitchen, and frankly luxurious green room with harbour views. It’s clear that this is a theatre established by actors!