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By Tim Firth
Directed by Annie Whittaker
8-30 November

Mizzis Horrocks’s class of seven-year-olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for their proud mums and dads – and the occasional social worker. Squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles that he’s not a proper star (like at NASA), Herod won’t stop waving to his parents and the subversive Innkeeper insists on livening up the traditional script. And then the stick insect escapes …

A community theatre production by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd and NZ Play Bureau Ltd.

Director

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Annie Whittaker

Annie is a life member of Dolphin and has acted, stage managed, tech’d and directed here for many years. Directing credits include a One Act Play Festival, This Is How It Goes (Mairangi Players 2010), A Few Good Men (Dolphin, 2011), The God of Carnage (Dolphin, 2013), The Kings of the Gym (Titirangi Theatre 2014), Bent Not Broken for Mental Health Awareness Week 2016 at Te Pou, The Sure Thing (Ellerslie Theatre 2017), Baskerville (Dolphin 2018), The BacH (Ellerslie Theatre 2019), It Happens To A Lot of People (2019 Short & Sweet Festival winning the best actress, best original play and Judges Choice Awards for that festival), the first act of Death & Taxe$ for New Zealand Theatre Month here at Dolphin, and now Flint Street Nativity!

Welcome to The Flint Street Junior School Nativity Play. We hope you enjoy this evening’s celebration of the nativity story as much as well have enjoyed putting the performance together for you.

This is Dolphin’s first Women’s Company performing a contemporary play. I am so honoured to have directed this amazing troupe of actors who have all battled through the flu and various other spring ailments to put this play together for Dolphin’s final show of 2019.
I remember vividly my own nativity play when I was about this age (I was the Innkeeper) as I’m sure so many of you will. It’s often the first bit of performing a child does and it stays with you one way or the other (you will either embrace performing arts or become a sports person instead)!! :)

Music Director

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Alison Laxon

Alison has been a member of Dolphin since around 2004 but became ‘active’ when she took on the role of musical director for Chorus of Disapproval in 2008 and, soon after, Mum’s Choir in 2010. Since then she has added other roles to her Dolphin ‘CV’, including technical operator and Production Assistant.

As a primary school music teacher herself, Alison has put on many shows with children so she can empathise with Missis Horricks!

She hopes you enjoy the clever, but wry, version of the carols and the talents of the cast in performing them to you.

Cast

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Merrin Cavel

Originally from Christchurch, Merrin has lived and worked all over New Zealand and abroad collecting experiences in the areas of film and live theatre, working both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. After living out of a suitcase for almost ten years Merrin has planted some strong roots here in Auckland. Her most recent stage appearances have been in 'Things I Know To Be True' at Ellerslie Theatre and 'Big Fish' at Papakura Theatre. She is thrilled to be working with this great group of strong women.

Carleen Craig

Flint Street is Carleen's third show of 2019, having been in "The Bach" and "The Death of Me" at Ellerslie earlier in the year. Her most recent appearances at Dolphin were in "Hidden in this Picture" and "Goodnight Mister Tom". She has enjoyed using her experience as a teacher to help bring out her inner child.

Jordin Lincoln

Jordin is very pleased to be a part of The Flint St Nativity and be working with some old friends. This is Jordin's first show since coming back to New Zealand after two years teaching Performing Arts in Saudi Arabia.

Jacqueline Hinchliffe

Loving my virgin Dolphin experience. At least this time the playwright lets me keeps my clothes on - after playing Cora in his 'Calendar Girls'. Such a fab group of people here to enjoy the run up to Christmas with. Go on, have fun; ‘Dares y!'d

Helen Davies

This is Helen's third show with Dolphin, most recently seen performing in 'Arsenic and Old Lace' as 'Martha Brewster' in March of this year. Prior to that, she played 'Mother Superior' in 'Nunsense' back in 2012. With many years of Musical Theatre and in later years adding drama/comedy into her repertoire, Helen is loving being a kid again! 'Welcome to the Flint Street Nativity!'

Robyn Donnelly

Robyn's first time on stage was during the Woodstock era - in her mummy's tummy. It was a natural progression from attending rehearsals in her bassinet and sleeping in green rooms during performances to participating in all aspects of entertainment. Awarded a Musical Theatre Scholarship, Robyn went on to earn an "A" pass in her post-graduate Diploma in Drama then received an award for "Best Female Actor in a Leading Role".

Charmain Williams

Graduated from University of Auckland double majoring in English and Drama. Next year she will complete her Diploma in Teaching Secondary. This is her first time on The Dolphin Stage but hopes it won't be her last. Charmain loves drama and is keen to be involved in theatre either on stage or behind. Supporting local theatre and learning from everyone involved will help her develop her skills as an English and Drama teacher.

Vicky Cairns

Vicky is truly indulging her passion for theatre this year, with Flint Street being her third play, though it’s her first production with Dolphin Theatre. She recently played Fran in Things I Know to be True and before that Hana in The Bach – both of these with Ellerslie Theatre. Vicky’s having loads of fun now playing Marcus, a 7-year-old boy aka ‘The Star of Bethlehem’... not to mention working with a bunch of other ‘7-year olds’ that make up a super talented and fun cast! And it’s a great way to end the year - Enjoy!

Rochelle Cowie

Isn’t it amazing that no matter how young we are we are learning life lessons from the people who surrounds us?

We watch and we listen, and we react to these interactions.

Wise Frankincense, young as he, is a great example of finding something positive in testing times.

It is a joy for me to be back at Dolphin with my new group of favourite 7-year olds and getting to play a character whose heart is bigger than he is

Julia Rutherford

Julia Rutherford is an avid theatre creator and jack of all trades. She has worked most areas of theatre including; lighting, sound and set design, technical and production management and she is currently trying her hand at producing. This is her return to acting after a seven-year hiatus and she is very excited to work with Annie to bring you Angel.

Tori-Amelia Roberts

This is Tori's second show with the Dolphin Theatre. Being from England originally this show brings back a lot of childhood memories, including her first ever starring role as Jesus... She wanted to be Mary too. Since then she has performed in many shows both in England and New Zealand and is hoping to attend drama school next year

Lisa Inman

At St Joseph’s in Dunedin, I was somewhere in the chorus, usually just “mouthing the words”. Now, I get to play the Ass which is quite a step up and sing (sorry). Last seen as Nancy in Nell Gwynn, it’s been a joy to be acting again this year, in our nativity, with a great bunch of people. I hope you enjoy our festive fare.