Playbox Theatre 79 83The photo to the right was taken in early 1983 outside the Playbox Theatre in Palmerston Street. Standing in front is Royce Barclay, then president of Playbox. This condemned building was the home of Playbox for more than 30 years. This photo came from a Waikato Times article about the future of Playbox, Musikmakers and TTT (Theatre Technique Trust), all of whom occupied different buildings around the same site.

Playbox have performed in many venues over the years. Some of these buildings no longer exist so we thought it would an interesting exercise to find some information about the performance spaces used by Playbox in the past.

- Winter S Hall (Winter Show Buildings)
These buildings were located on Ward Street in the CBD of Hamilton City. There were several buildings and they occupied the site along with the Hamilton City Council building (on the corner of Anglesea and Caro Street) and was bordered by Ward Street, Anglesea Street, Caro Street and Alexandra Street (now a no exit street called Worley Place). During World War II this site was used by the AirForce to repair and recondition aircraft engines. The planes were flown into Raglan, the engines were stripped out and carted over the hills to Hamilton where they were reconditioned. Aparently everyone in the CBD knew when they had re-assembled one of these massive engines because when they started it up, the whole town could hear it. The site is now occupied by the Hamilton City Council high rise building and the Downtown Plaza/Rebel Sports/Ezibuy complex along with the underground Alexandra Street carpark. Playbox performances were held in a part of the venue called the Winter Garden.

- Civic Theatre
Mr Sydney Tombs had controlling interests in Hamilton’s Kings and Civic theatres and built the Theatre Royal in 1913. The Civic Theatre with is large wooden façade (it was build with a Tudor style) was located at the south end of Victoria Street, where the 'Celebrating Age Centre' run by Age Concern now stands. Playbox used this venue prior to World War II. After leaks in the roof caused the stage to rot the Civic Theatre was used as a cinema. The Kings Theatre mentioned above was located on the corner of Victoria and Claudelands Road, currently where the TSB bank now resides.

- Theatre Royal & Embassy Theatre
Building of the Royal began in 1913 for Mr Sydney Tombs. When the Grand ole' Theatre Royal opened in 1915, it was lauded as the most beautiful provincial theatre in the dominion. In 1952, the Theatre Royal’s façade was radically altered in line with the popular practice in the 1950s to ‘cover up’ older architectural styles in buildings. The theatre also received a new name – the Embassy. In 1994 the Hamilton City Council deemed the building to be of no value and it was demolished. The site on Victoria Street is now a park and is the site of a brass statue of Riff-Raff (a tribute to Richard O'Brien of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame). More information can be found here.

- Pirana Park
Pirana Park is situated between Memorial Drive and the Waikato River, opposite Hamilton East School.

- Little Theatre (1947-1961) & Playbox Theatre (1961-1983)
From 1947 to 1983 this was the home of Hamilton Playbox. This building was part of the Airforce repair depot, left over from World War II. From 1947 to 1961 Playbox shared this space with 'The Peoples Theatre' and a kindergarten. After the disbanding of the Peoples Theatre a lease was negotiated with the City Council and the venue was renamed 'Playbox Theatre' and Playbox put on most the their productions here from 1961 to 1983. It was demolished in 1984 after it was condemned by the Hamilton City Council. The site on Palmerston Street was expanded for the St Peters Tennis Club.  Life member Al Williamson added some interesting points... When the building was the Little Theatre, in order to gain access to the building the user had to obtain a key from the council. Al managed to get his own key so that he could go in whenever he needed to setup equipment. There was a chap from the council who lived down the road and passed the theatre when going to and from work. If he saw any unauthorised activity in there he laid a complain with the council, so Al would black out all the windows when he was inside so that no-one could see inside. The other buildings on the same site also was home to Theatre Technique Trust (TTT), Musikmakers and the Post Office Telephone Repair Depot.

- Roxy Theatre
Although the Roxy Theatre in Frankton was never used by Playbox, it does have a brief link with the society. This building was located on Hall Street in Frankton, next to the Frankton Hotel (pub). In 1962 the Roxy Theatre (by that time called the Vogue Theatre) was closed by Kerridge Odeon due to dwindling audience numbers. Kerridge Odeon offered Playbox the sale of the building and even offered to loan Playbox the £12,000 required to purchase the premises. The cinema had a capacity of approximately 500 seats but did not have a stage (it was a picture theatre after all). The building was in good condition and was simply no longer economic to run as a cinema for the Kerridge Odeon company. Ultimately the building was turned down and it was demolished a short time later.

- Founders Theatre
The Founders Theatre was Hamilton's largest theatrical venue with a capacity of 1,250. Opened in 1960. Located on the triangular corner of Tristram Street and Norton Road. This venue was used for Playbox's professional productions. More information can be found here.

- Matamata Little Theatre
This venue is located on Short Street in Matamata (aka Hobbiton).

- Southwell School Hall
This venue is located on the grounds of Southwell School on Peachgrove Road (just south of Five Cross Roads) in Hamilton. More information can be found here.

- Te Aroha Little Theatre
This venue is located on Honi Street in Te Aroha.

- St Peters Cathedral
This is the Anglican Cathedral located at the top of the hill at the south end of Victoria Street in Hamilton. More information can be found here.

- Gordon Parker Hall, Te Awamutu College
This venue is located on Alexandra Street in Te Awamutu. More information can be found here.

- Cambridge Town Hall
This venue is located on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Cambridge. More information can be found here.

Riverlea14- Riverlea Theatre (1984-Present)
Since 1984 Riverlea Theatre has been the home for Hamilton Playbox and Musikmakers (Hamilton). When the building was taken over it had been empty for some time and was essentially derilect. The Riverlea Theatre and Arts Centre (Inc.) was established in 1984 to oversee the management and conversion of the old Riverlea Ballroom into a theatre and "home" for Hamilton Playbox Repertory Society (Inc.) and Musikmakers (Hamilton) Inc. Thanks to the support received from patrons, Hamilton City Council, The Arts Council, and a number of commercial organisations, Riverlea Theatre has become, and is recognised as, a valuable community asset. Amongst the tasks that need to be done to convert to a theatre: build a flexible stage, build auditorium rostrums, install lighting system (plus electrical system that could support it) and sound system, fit out a commercial kitchen and bar, extensive interior decoration, installation of air-conditioning, construction and fitting out of a separate workshop facility, fit out of wardrobe storage and shop, fit out of rehearsal studio. While most of this happened in the first few years, the on going maintenance, the need to adopt new technologies and opportunities that arise means investment in the facilities is continuous. In 2009 Riverlea Theatre Trust celebrated the 25th anniversary that the building has existed as Riverlea Theatre (our temporary home since 1984). More information can be found here.

A comprehensive history of the move of Playbox, Musikmakers and Theatre Technique Trust (TTT) to Riverlea Theatre has been compiled by Alistar Barnett and can be found by clicking on the link below.

pdficonThe move to Riverlea Theatre

Details

Sybil Thorndike 1943

The photo to the right is Dame Sybil Thorndike in 1943.  She was the first patron of Hamilton Playbox.  She wrote a dedication for the first production in 1933...

     "We are realising that the Amateur Theatre is as vital a part of the Theatre proper as the Professional.  The Amateur can do more than just keep the flag flying until times are better and the Professional can be more in evidence; the Amateur can adventure - find new paths - new methods of working - new writers - new ways of producing old writers.  Since they do not have to depend on the Stage for their bread and butter, they can afford to leap beyond what the average commercial theatre audience will accept - a thing which is too often disallowed professionally.

     The Little Theatre movement has proved itself an adventurous and courageous one - that is why we adventurers from the professional side applaud their efforts.  This movement has kept alive in so many British countries the real live Theatre we serve - and that deserves the salute of all pioneers!  To the Playbox Adventure, Good Luck!"

- Sybil Thorndike

"To the Playbox Adventure, Good Luck!"... more than 80 years later the Good Luck is still holding as the Playbox Adventure continues to this day.

The table below list those that helped in keeping the Playbox Adventure alive over the last three-quarters of a century.

 

Year Patron President Vice-President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer
2020 Nicolas Wells Jason Wing Glen Mathews   Helen Eyeington Lorna Ashton
2019   Lee Owens Jason Wing   Helen Eyeington Lorna Ashton
2018 Elisabeth Easther Lee Owens Jason Wing   Charlotte Mann Lorna Ashton
2017 Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Lee Owens Jason Wing   Neila Blackmore Lorna Ashton
2016 Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Lee Owens Jason Wing (from November)   Neila Blackmore Lorna Ashton
2015 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Lee Owens Ron Dalton   Ann Williams Lorna Ashton
2014 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Mark Perry Lee Owens   Ann Williams Lorna Ashton
2013 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Greg Hack Lee Owens   Liz Sheppard Lorna Ashton
2012 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Greg Hack Lee Tulloch   Lee Owens Lorna Ashton
2011 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Greg Hack Lee Tulloch   Lee Owens Lorna Ashton
2010 Dan Blackmore, Elisabeth Easther & Michael Easther Mark Perry Greg Hack   Ben Corcoran, Charlotte Isaac (from July) Lorna Ashton
2009 Al Williamson & Dan Blackmore Mark Perry Charlotte Isaac   Charlotte Isaac Lorna Ashton
2008 Al Williamson & Dan Blackmore Mark Perry Joy Shewan   Charlotte Isaac Lorna Ashton
2007 Al Williamson & Dan Blackmore Joy Shewan Mark Perry   Neila Blackmore Lorna Ashton
2006 Al Williamson Dan Blackmore, Joy Shewan (from August) Joy Shewan, Maree Wilkins (from August)   Neila Blackmore Lorna Ashton
2005 Al Williamson Dan Blackmore Joy Shewan   Neila Blackmore Lorna Ashton
2004 Al Williamson Dan Blackmore Lauren Scott   Neila Blackmore Frank Carter
2003 Al Williamson Adrianne Clothier Lauren Scott   Neila Blackmore Frank Carter
2002 Al Williamson Bruce Martin, Adrianne Clothier (from June) Adrianne Clothier, Steve Grounds (from June)   Chris Martin, Neila Blackmore (from June) Christine McGovern, Adrianne Clothier (from April)
2001 Al Williamson Bruce Martin Bridget Murphy   Nicloas Wells Christine McGovern
2000 Al Williamson Kerry Murphy Diane Brown   Nicolas Wells Nicolas Wells
1999 Al Williamson Royce Barclay Diane Brown   Bruce Martin Nicolas Wells
1998 Royce Barclay Dennis Ralph Bruce Martin   Mark Perry Nicolas Wells
1997 Royce Barclay Dennis Ralph Julianne Boyle Richard Sheridan, Diane Brown (from August) Elizabeth Hunter Sonia Evans
1996 Royce Barclay Dennis Ralph Julianne Boyle Richard Sheridan Sonia Evans Nicolas Wells
1995 Royce Barclay Lynda Gemmell Diane Brown   Sonia Evans Nicolas Wells
1994 Royce Barlcay Lynda Gemmell Diane Brown John Stewart Jeannie Townsend Nicolas Wells
1993 Royce Barclay Lynda Gemmell Diane Drown Sandra McDonald Christina Brown Gareth Ruck
1992 Jock McLachlan-Barnes Dennis Ralph Diane Brown Mel Beetham (G Ruck from June) Patricia Ratuszny Michelle Durrant
1991 Jock McLachlan-Barnes Dennis Ralph Diane Brown Mel Beetham John Stewart, then Patricia Ratuszny Michelle Durrant
1990 Bill Dillon Dennis Ralph Diane Brown Tony Whitehouse John Stewart Steven McMurray
1989 Bill Dillon Tony Whitehouse Diane Brown Chris Cooke John Stewart Linda Whitehouse
1988 Bill Dillon Peter Hollister Chris Cooke Richard Blincoe Royce Barclay Pat Julian, Jean Greedy???????????
1987 Bill Dillon Grant Waghorn Chris Cooke Peter Hollister Jean Greedy Dinky Nugent
1986 Bill Dillon Peter Hollister Chris Cooke Grant Waghorn Dinky Nugent Jean Greedy
1985 Bill Dillon David Gibson Chris Cooke Geoff Lawn Poppy Wheatley Jean Greedy
1984 Barbara Minogue Tom Hawley Michael Houltham   Barbara Willson, Poppy Wheatley (from July) Peter Lowe, Jean Greedy (from July)
1983 Barbara Minogue Royce Barclay Chris Cooke Ken Sandford ? Jean Diwell
1982 Barbara Minogue Royce Barclay Fiona Perry Peter Hurford Jean Diwell Jean Diwell
1981 Barbara Minogue Royce Barclay Mike Casey David Reid Jean Diwell Bill Nugunt
1980 Barbara Minogue Royce Barclay Don Kjestrup David Reid Jean Diwell Bill Nugunt
1979 Barbara Minogue Royce Barclay David Reid Chris Cooke Jean Diwell Bill Nugunt
1978 Barbara Minogue Ron Smith Dr Bernard Hyne   Jean Diwell Mac Campin
1977 Barbara Minogue Ron Smith Pat Holloway Dr Bernard Hyne Jean Diwell Mac Campin
1976 Barbara Minogue Peter Drake (to July), Ron Smith Ron Smith Joyce Raethel Elise Neil  
1975 Barbara Minogue Peter Drake John Campion Ron Smith Joyce Raethel Elise Neil
1974 Barbara Minogue Jean Greedy Peter Drake Danny Mateer Mac Campin Elise Neil
1973 Barbara Minogue Jean Greedy Henry Bishop Danny Mateer Mac Campin John Campion
1972 Barbara Minogue Derek Wooster Mac Campin Bligh Pickering Dawn Tucker John Campion
1971 Barbara Minogue Derek Wooster Henry Bishop Bob Stonyer Lou Sweeney John Campion
1970 Philip Harkness Mac Campin Henry Bishop Derek Wooster Alan Quartermain & Michael Young John Campion
1969 Philip Harkness John Johnstone Alice Davies Julie Stirrup Jane Clad Kevin O'Connor
1968 Philip Harkness Mac Campin Alice Davies Ian Johnstone Jane Clad Louise Johnstone
1967 Philip Harkness John Johnstone Dick Waddington Al Williamson Mac Campin Roy Bonnell
1966 Arthur E Manning John Johnstone Patricia Dixon David Reid Mrs DM Cook Roy Bonnell
1965 Arthur E Manning Mac Campin Barbara Minogue Johnnie Johnstone Mrs DM Cook Roy Bonnell
1964 Arthur E Manning Tui Marshall Barbara Minogue Mac Campin Pam Collingwood Jeff Dixon
1963 Arthur E Manning Tui Marshall Barbara Minogue Mac Campin Pam Collingwood Jeff Dixon
1962 Arthur E Manning Dick Waddington Tui Marshall John Murray Pam Collingwood Jeff Dixon
1961 Arthur E Manning Dick Waddington Tui Marshall John Murray Pam Collingwood Jeff Dixon
1960 Arthur E Manning John Murray Tui Marshall David Reid Pam Collingwood Jeff Dixon
1959 Arthur E Manning John Murray Tui Marshall David Reid ? ?
1958 Arthur E Manning David Reid Tui Marshall Rangi Smidt Frank Curtin Roy Bonnell
1957 Arthur E Manning David Reid Tui Marshall Rangi Smidt Frank Curtin Roy Bonnell
1956 Arthur E Manning David Reid Tui Marshall Al Williamson John Murray Ken Cotten
1955 ? David Reid Tui Marshall Al Williamson John Murray Ken Cotten
1954 Hilda Ross and Ron Braithwaite David Reid Bryona Quill Nita Andrews Vera Huntington Ken Cotten
1953 Arthur E Manning David Reid Bryona Quill Nita Andrews Vera Huntington Jack Palmer
1952 Arthur E Manning Vi Stephens Grace Fuller David Reid Vera Huntington Jack Palmer
1951 Arthur E Manning Grace Fuller Dr HE Annett David Reid Vera Huntington Jack Palmer
1950 Arthur E Manning Vi Stephens (Linder) Dr HE Annett David Reid Vera Huntington Grace Fuller
1949 Arthur E Manning Vi Stephens (Linder) Dr HE Annett David Reid Vera Huntington Grace Fuller
1948 Arthur E Manning Vi Stephens (Linder) Dr HE Annett David Reid Thelma Evans Marcus B St James
1947 Arthur E Manning Violet Linder David Reid Stan Carroll Thelma Evans Marcus B St James
1946 Arthur E Manning Violet Linder Mrs P Newland Bill Blakeway Thelma Evans Marcus B St James
1945 Arthur E Manning Stan James HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1944 Arthur E Manning Stan James HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1943 Arthur E Manning Stan James HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1942 Arthur E Manning Bill Blakeway HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1941 Arthur E Manning Bill Blakeway HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1940 Arthur E Manning Les Takle HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1939 Arthur E Manning HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Ted Amoore Violet Linder Mrs E Marsh
1938 Arthur E Manning HJ Ferguson Bill Blakeway Ted Amoore Violet Linder Louise Winthrop
1937 Arthur E Manning Malcolm Thomas Bill Blakeway Ted Amoore Violet Linder Louise Winthrop
1936 Sir Alexander Young Malcolm Thomas HB Baker Ted Amoore Violet Linder Louise Winthrop
1935 Sir Alexander Young Hugh Morton Malcolm Thomas Ted Amoore Maisie Heweston Maisie Heweston
1934 Dame Sybil Thorndike Malcolm Thomas HD Baker Ted Amoore Maisie Heweston Maisie Heweston
1933 Dame Sybil Thorndike Malcolm Thomas HD Baker Ted Amoore Maisie Heweston Maisie Heweston
1932 Dame Sybil Thorndike Malcolm Thomas HD Baker Ted Amoore Maisie Heweston Maisie Heweston
Details

Walter Russell WoodIn the early 30s an Auckland speech teacher extended his activities to Hamilton.  Walter Russell-Wood tutored his pupils at a studio in the Railway Building.  On these weekly visits he drew pupils together and staged play readings; their success prompted a decision to form a club and expand the exercise.  A committee was formed with Mr Malcolm Thomas as President and Maisie Hewetson as Secretary-Treasurer.  The first meeting took place in March 1932, with a staged reading of TG Murray's Autumn Fire.  Walter both directed and read a role.  He was a vital and effervescent personality with a ready wit, and dedicated to theatre.  In October 1933 Walter transferred to Dunedin but kept in touch over the years.  He later founded a Playbox in Dunedin and was highly regarded there.  Playbox is proud to have him as its founder.

Walter died some years ago and New Zealand theatre is the poorer for his passing.

A TRIBUTE
A tribute must be paid to Arthur Manning, managing-director of the Waikato Times, producer of an initial Playbox production, friend, firm supporter and patron of the Society for 28 years.  The Society owes much to this fine man known in his later years as "Hamilton's grand old man of the theatre".

The above text was extracted from the Playbox Gold Book (50th Anniversary Souvenir Book)

Details

Lillies of the Field lowresWhat you see to the right is the programme of the first show staged by Hamilton Playbox in 1933.  This play was directed by our founder, Walter Russell-Wood and it was the only show he directed for the society.  Click on image for larger version.

Notable events in Playbox's History...

- For a period during World War II (1941-1945) the activities of Hamilton Playbox was limited to play readings.

- 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy.

- The four plays of 1976 (American) were royalty-paid by the American Embassy to celebrate the USA Bicentennial Year.

- In 1982 Hamilton Playbox celebrated it's Golden Jubilee with three productions at the Playbox Theatre and one at Founders Theatre.

- The first performance of "STiFF" by an amateur society in 2004.

- 2007 was a specially programmed season of  Derek Benfield plays.

- 2008 was the year the Playbox celebrated it's 75th anniversary with the classic Oscar Wilde  play "The Importance of being Earnest".

- The World Premiere of "The Merry Wives of Windsor Avenue" in 2010.

- The 2020 schedule of shows was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result only one show was produced.

- All the information covering the years 1933 to 1982 was taken from the Hamilton Playbox Golden Jubilee souvenir book.

 

No. Year Title Playwright Director Venue Notes
418 2020 The BFG David Wood, based on the book from Roald Dahl Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre Shortest show season in Playbox history.  Because of the COVID-19 virus outbreak the show opened and closed on the same night (21 March 2020).  Show was revived for a shortened four performance encore season between 26-28 June 2020.
417 2019 Cowboy Christmas Michael Switzer Mel Martin Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
416 2019 Dial M for Murder Frederick Knott, based on the Alfred Hitchcock crime mystery Jason Wing Riverlea Theatre  
415 2019 The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe Joseph Robinette, from the story by C.S. Lewis Coryn Knapper Riverlea Theatre  
414 2019 A Theatre Feast Lorna Ashton Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre 2019 TheatreFest entry. Also went onto regional competitions. 
413 2019 Frankenstein Mary Shelley, adapted by Bo List Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
412 2018 Zoot Suit Christmas Michael Switzer Greg Hack Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
411 2018 The Vicar of Dibley: The Second Coming Richard Curtis, Paul Mayhew-Archer Jane Barnett Riverlea Theatre  
410 2018 Peter Pan JM Barrie Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
409 2018 Allegiance Mary Kenny Wayne Green Riverlea Theatre New Zealand Premiere 
408 2017 Noises Off Michael Frayn Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre  
407 2017 Timbuktu Brian E Turner Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre The Playbox entry to the 2017 TheatreFest.
406 2017 Cosi Louis Nowra Lee Owens Riverlea Theatre  
405 2017 The Witches Roald Dahl Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
404 2016 Rock of Ages Chris D'Arienzo Michelle Boyde Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
403 2016 The Comedy of Errors William Shakespeare Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre To commemorate 400 years since Shakespeare's death.
402 2016 Bullshot Crummond Ron House, Alan Shearman, Diz White, John Neville Andrews and Derek Cunningham Ron Dalton Riverlea Theatre  
401 2016 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl Coryn Knapper Riverlea Theatre Cast of 34!
400 2016 Knitting Brian E Turner Lorna Ashton The Meteor, Riverlea Theatre, Dargaville Little Theatre, SIT Centrestage Invercargill, NATS Norfolk Island

Part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival.

TheatreFest Local selected to go to Regional competition at Dargaville. Regional ~ Best Actress, Best Adult Play & Best Overall.  No placing at finals in Invercargill.

2016 Norfolk Island Transtasman Knitting, runner up to Best Actress.
399 2015 Bring on Burlesque Dennis Ralph & Jean Greedy Dennis Ralph & Jean Greedy Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
398 2015 The Vicar of Dibley Richard Curtis, Paul Mayhew-Archer Jane Barnett Riverlea Theatre  
397 2015 Earwigs Brian E Turner Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre The Playbox entry to the 2015 TheatreFest.  Made it to the finals and won Best Female Actor for Nicole Domett.
396 2015 The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde, adapted by John Osborne Mel Martin Riverlea Theatre  
395 2015 Once on Chunuk Bair Maurice Shadbolt Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
394 2014 Best of Broadway John Drummond & Raewyn Watkins John Drummond Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
393 2014 Last of the Summer Wine Roy Clarke Lee Owens Riverlea Theatre  
392 2014 Open All Hours Roy Clarke Peter Tait Riverlea Theatre  
391 2014 The Seagull Anton Chekhov, translated by Constance Garnett Mihailo Ladjevac Riverlea Theatre  
390 2013 Bring Back Burlesque Dennis Ralph & Jean Greedy Dennis Ralph & Jean Greedy Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.  Sell-out season.
389 2013 Social Climbers Roger Hall Steve Grounds Riverlea Theatre  
388 2013 The Carousel Brian E Turner Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre, Shambles Rotorua, Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival (2014) NZTF Theatrefest One Act Play entry.

Won best production and best female actor for Liz Sheppard at the Waikato Theatrefest held at Riverlea Theatre.  Moved onto the regional competition in Rotorua.

Won best NZ production and best male actor for Ron Dalton at the Regional Theatrefest held in Rotorua. 
387 2013 Footrot Flats Roger Hall Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre Three week season.
386 2013 Famous Flora Elisabeth Easther Lee Owens & Liz Sheppard Riverlea Theatre NZ Premiere
385 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Santa R Eugene Jackson & Carl Alette Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
384 2012 The Window Barbara Else Lorna Ashton NATS, OnStage Te Kuiti, Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival (2013) Norfolk Island Play Festival, 83 points out of 100.  Adjudicators Award for Excellence In Acting to Liz Sheppard. "A strong, confident display of absurdist theatre. Most elements were nicely raised. The actors gave a disciplined and though-provoking rendition."

NZTF Waikato Local Festival, Te Kuiti.  Won best production and selected to go to Regional Competition. "This was a challenging play and you carried it off splendidly. There was a strong sense of satisfaction and conclusion at the final curtain."
383 2012 Dad's Army Jimmy Perry and David Croft Greg Hack Riverlea Theatre Near sell-out season.
382 2012 Don Quixote of La Mancha Miguel de Cervantes, adapted by Arthur Fauquez, translated from French by Margaret Leona Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
381 2011 It's My Party (And I'll Die If I Want To) Elizabeth Coleman Lee Tulloch Riverlea Theatre  
380 2011 Are you being served? Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft Greg Hack Riverlea Theatre Near sell-out season.
379 2010 Fan-Tas-Tique Vegas Bryan Bevege & Briar Duggan Bryan Bevege & Briar Duggan Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
378 2010 The Witches of Prestwick Joseph Graham Lorna Ashton NATS Norfolk Island Play Festival, 61/100.  "One of the highlights was the enjoyable edginess of the risque content of the performance - this added great contrast to the majority of the programme."
377 2010 'Allo 'Allo Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre Ran for three weeks.  Near sell-out season.
376 2010 The Merry Wives of Windsor Avenue Geraldine Brophy Liz Buick Riverlea Theatre World Premiere!
375 2009 Christmas at the Oasis Michael Switzer Heather Connolley Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
374 2009 The Darling Buds of May HE Bates Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
373 2009 Curtain Call Bettine Manktelow Bridget Murphy Riverlea Theatre Went on stage after only a seven week rehearsal period.
372 2008 Pirate Christmas – Ho ho ho and a bottle of Rum Michael Switzer Amanda Macek Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
371 2008 Cemetery Club Ivan Menchell Louise Willis Riverlea Theatre  
370 2008 The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde Liz Buick Riverlea Theatre Gala Opening Night Performance to celebrate Playbox's 75th anniversary.
369 2007 Cowboy Christmas Michael Switzer Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
368 2007 Off the Hook Derek Benfield Maree Wilkins Riverlea Theatre Part of the Derek Benfield season of plays.
367 2007 Touch n Go Derek Benfield Ant Leathart Riverlea Theatre Part of the Derek Benfield season of plays.
366 2006 Zoot Suit Xmas Michael Switzer Amanda Macek Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
365 2006 Things we do for Love Alan Ayckbourn Steve Grounds Riverlea Theatre  
364 2006 Hercules the Panto Julia Banks Lorna Ashton Riverlea Theatre  
363 2006 Out of Order Ray Cooney Maree Wilkins Riverlea Theatre  
362 2005 Scary Xmas II Lawrie Johnson Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
361 2005 Knitting Brian E Turner Lorna Ashton NATS Norfolk Island Play Festival.  84/100.  Arno Minnema was nominated for best actor. "This is a very absurdist portrait of people trapped within themselves. With a tightening of the lines it would accomplish this admirably."
360 2005 Betty's Summer Vacation Christopher Durang Michael Switzer Riverlea Theatre  
359 2005 Bedroom Farce Alan Ayckbourn Steve Grounds Riverlea Theatre  
358 2005 Scrubbers Cenarth Fox Louise WIllis Riverlea Theatre  
357 2004 Have a Very Scary Xmas Lawrie Johnson Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
356 2004 STiFF April Phillips Lauren Scott Riverlea Theatre First Amateur performance of this play.
355 2004 Uncle Vanya Anton Chekhov Owen Mooney Riverlea Theatre  
354 2004 Hot Water Roger Hall Diane Kenny Riverlea Theatre  
353 2003 Scottish Xmas Dan Blackmore Dan Blackmore Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
352 2003 The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Jim Cartwright Dan Blackmore Riverlea Theatre  
351 2003 She Stoops to Conquer Adapted by Michael Switzer Michael Switzer Riverlea Theatre  
350 2003 The Butler did it Tim Kelly Lauren Scott Riverlea Theatre  
349 2002 Christmas Show - More Shenanigans Lawrie Johnson Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
348 2002 A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre Playbox celebrated it's 70th Anniversary with this show.
347 2002 Barefoot in the Park Neil Simon Dan Blackmore Riverlea Theatre  
346 2002 Run for your Wife Ray Cooney Michael Jefferson Riverlea Theatre  
345 2001 Christmas Show - Sounds a bit Irish Lawrie Johnson Lawrie Johnson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
344 2001 Gasping Ben Elton Diane Gilray Riverlea Theatre  
343 2001 Dirty Weekends Roger Hall Louise Willis Riverlea Theatre  
342 2001 You have the right to remain dead Pat Cook Michael Switzer Riverlea Theatre  
341 2000 Not Now, Darling Ray Cooney and John Chapman Bridget Murphy Riverlea Theatre  
340 2000 Cold Comfort Farm Stella Gibbons Bruce Martin Riverlea Theatre  
339 2000 Don't Dress for Dinner Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon Royce Barclay Riverlea Theatre  
338 1999 Kiwiana Christmas     Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
337 1999 Ladies Night Anthony McCarten Louise Willis Riverlea Theatre New Zealand Play
336 1998 Saints and Sinners Xmas Show     Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers and Riverlea Board.
335 1998 Weed Anthony McCarten Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
334 1998 Beyond Therapy Christopher Durang Bruce Martin Riverlea Theatre  
333 1997 The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
332 1997 The Queen and I Sue Townsend Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
331 1997 Habeas Corpus Alan Bennett Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
330 1996 Worm Ross Millar Amanda Talsma-Williams Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
329 1996 The Zoo Story Edward Albee Peter Walsh Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
328 1996 The Sanest Cure for Pain Duncan Wyley Duncan Wyley Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
327 1996 Half Time at Halcyon Days Carol K. Mack Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
326 1996 Blue Murder Kenneth Lillington Duncan Wyley Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
325 1996 The 13 Clocks James Thurber Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre A Pantomime
324 1996 Crimes of the Heart Beth Henley William Peterson Riverlea Theatre  
323 1996 A Midsummer Night's Dream Shakespeare Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
322 1996 The Odd Couple (Female Version) Neil Simon Louise Willis Riverlea Theatre  
321 1995 One Act Plays?????     Riverlea Theatre Also did a performance at Morrinsville.
320 1995 Last Call in the Singles Bar Dennis Ralph Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre One Act Play Festival
319 1995 Playbox Christmas Show - Absolutely Festive Dennis Ralph Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
318 1995 Noises Off! Michael Frayn William Peterson Riverlea Theatre  
317 1995 Death of a Salesman A Miller Doug and Diane Brown Riverlea Theatre  
316 1995 What the Butler Saw Joe Orton Lynne Peterson Riverlea Theatre  
315 1994 The Dresser Ronald Harwood Diane Brown Riverlea Theatre  
314 1994 Canterbury Tales Chaucer Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
313 1994 Go Back for Murder Agatha Christie   Riverlea Theatre  
312 1993 When did you last see your trousers? Ray Galton and John Antrobus   Riverlea Theatre  
311 1993 Les Liaisons Dangereuses Pierre Ambroise Laclos,Choderlos De Laclos,Richard Aldington (Translator) Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
310 1993 The Crucible Arthur Miller Doug Brown, assisted by Diane Brown Riverlea Theatre 60th Anniversary Show.
309 1992 The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde Royce Barclay Riverlea Theatre  
308 1992 Frankenstein the Pantomime David Swan Diane Brown Riverlea Theatre A Pantomime.
307 1992 Last of the Red Hot Lovers Neil Simon Louise WIllis Riverlea Theatre  
306 1992 Fur Coat and No Knickers Mike Harding Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
305 1991 Christmas Show - It's a Christmas Cracker   Mel Beetham Riverlea Theatre  
304 1991 On Golden Pond Ernest Thompson Doug Brown Riverlea Theatre  
303 1991 Stepping Out Richard Harris Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre Season extended to three weeks.
302 1991 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe CS Lewis Dennis Fenwick Riverlea Theatre  
301 1990 Move Over Mrs Markham Cooney and Chapman Royce Barclay Riverlea Theatre  
300 1990 Animal Farm George Orwell Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre Playbox celebrated its 300th show with this production.
299 1990 Orinoco Flow Andre Surridge Andre Surridge Tokoroa One Act Play Festival Entry. Performed in Tokoroa and them Auckland. Performed at a Clubnight in Riverlea Theatre.
298 1990 Intermediate School Drama Festival   Dennis Ralph    
297 1990 One flew over the cuckoo's nest Ken Kessey and Dale Wasserman Doug Brown Riverlea Theatre  
296 1990 No Sex Please, were British Anthony Marriott and Alistair Foor David Reid Riverlea Theatre Season extended to three weeks.
295 1990 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl Dennis Fenwick Riverlea Theatre  
294 1989 The Last Madonna   Dennis Ralph   One Act Play.
293 1989 Pizzazz Tony Whitehouse D Brown & Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
292 1989 Pawn to Queen 2   Diane Brown Riverlea Theatre  
291 1989 Hay Fever   Diane Cook Riverlea Theatre  
290 1989 Chicken Run        
289 1989 15 Minute Hamlet        
288 1989 Veronica's Room Ira Levin Dennis Ralph Riverlea Theatre  
287 1988 Bedroom Farce Alan Ayckbourn      
286 1988 Solomons Child Tom Dulak David Heberley Riverlea Theatre  
285 1988 Uproar in the House Anthony Marriott and Alistair Foor David Reid Riverlea Theatre  
284 1987 Badjelly the Witch Spike Milligan David Heberley Riverlea Theatre A joint production with Musikmakers.
283 1987 Laffing Room Only Margo O'Mahony Jean Greedy & Walter Barnes (Music direction) Riverlea Theatre  
282 1987 Arsenic and Old Lace Joseph Kesselring David Gibson Riverlea Theatre  
281 1987 Can't Pay, Won't Pay Dario Fo Hugo Pauli & Catherine Lang Riverlea Theatre A joint production with Side by Side Theatre.
280 1987 Hooters, Trumpets and Raspberries Dario Fo Alec Forbes Riverlea Theatre A joint production with Side by Side Theatre.
279 1987 Just between ourselves Alan Ayckbourn Tony Whitehouse Riverlea Theatre  
278 1986 Darling Mr London Anthony Marriott & Bob Grant David Reid Riverlea Theatre  
277 1986 Female Transport Steve Gooch William Bulloch Riverlea Theatre  
276 1986 The Shoemaker and the Elves Anonymous Bud Calder Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
275 1986 What have you done for me lately Myrna Lamb Catherine Lang Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
274 1986 The Exact Colour of Blue Pamela Strange Pamela Strange & David Reid Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
273 1986 Operation Cold Cure James Hesketh Diana Cooke Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
272 1986 After Magritte Tom Stoppard David Phillips Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
271 1986 Crows over the Wheat Field Robert McLaren & Andre Surridge Robert McLaren Riverlea Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
270 1986 Bullshot Crummond Ron House & Diz White David Gibson Riverlea Theatre  
269 1986 Tomorrow will be a loverly day Craig Harrison Peter Hollister Riverlea Theatre A NZ Black Comedy
268 1985 Vaudville David Gibson David Gibson Riverlea Theatre In association with Musikmakers.
267 1985 Breathe the Earth Andre Surridge Andre Surridge Little Theatre Te Aroha. One Act Play Festival Entry. NZ playwright.
266 1985 Old King Cole Ken Campbell Lin Burton Riverlea Theatre  
265 1985 Under the Sycamore Tree Samuel Spewark Diana Cooke Riverlea Theatre  
264 1985 Hot Water Roger Hall David Reid Riverlea Theatre  
263 1985 My Giddy Aunt Cooney and Chapman Betty Ward Riverlea Theatre  
262 1985 Cat on a hot tin roof Tennessee Williams David Gibson Riverlea Theatre  
261 1984 Zugzwang Andre Surridge Andre Surridge Cambridge Town Hall One Act Play Festival Entry. NZ playwright.
260 1984 Libel! Edward Wooll David Reid Riverlea Theatre  
259 1984 Mother & Fathers Joseph Musaphia David Gibson Riverlea Theatre  
258 1984 The Nuns Eduardo Manet William Bulloch Riverlea Theatre  
257 1984 Theatre is Alive, Well, Will Diana Cooke Diana Cooke Riverlea Theatre  
256 1984 The Heiress Ruth & Augustus Goetz Betty Ward Riverlea Theatre Premiere Production in new venue.
255 1983 Skin Deep Myra Bentley Ivy E Sandford Gordon Parker Hall, Te Awamutu College One Act Play Festival Entry. NZ playwright.
254 1983 Nitro Anthony Booth Geoffrey Lawn Gordon Parker Hall, Te Awamutu College One Act Play Festival Entry.
253 1983 Puss in Boots ? Poppy Wheatly Playbox Theatre Last production in the Playbox Theatre.
252 1983 ? (Archives jumps this slot)        
251 1983 A Bedfull of Foreigners Dave Freeman David Reid Playbox Theatre  
250 1983 Hobson's Choice Harold Brighouse Peter Hollister Playbox Theatre  
249 1983 How the othe half lives Alan Ayckbourn Tony Whitehouse Playbox Theatre  
248 1982 Glide Time Roger Hall William Bulloch Playbox Theatre  
247 1982 Tom Jones adapted by Mary McAlpine Brian Hannam Founders Theatre This production (professional) was also part of the Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary Reunion Weekend. 50th GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR.
246 1982 A Tomb with a View Norman Robbins David Reid Playbox Theatre 50th GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR.
245 1982 Arms and the Man GB Shaw Don Kjestrup Playbox Theatre 50th GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR.
244 1982 Something's Afoot McDonald, Voss and Garlach Jean Diwell Playbox Theatre A musical play. 50th GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR.
243 1981 Humpty Dumpty Crocker and Gilder Tom Hawley Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
242 1981 A Taste of Honey Shelagh Delaney Royce Barclay Playbox Theatre  
241 1981 Absurd Person Singular Alan Ayckbourn Tony Whitehouse Playbox Theatre  
240 1981 The Bed Before Yesterday Ben Travers David Reid Playbox Theatre  
239 1981 When we are Married JB Priestley Beth Pickering Playbox Theatre  
238 1981 The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare David Heberley Playbox Theatre  
237 1980 Cinderella Crocker and Gilder Royce Barclay Founders Theatre A Pantomime.
236 1980 Oh, What a Lovely War Joan Littlewood & Co Diane Brown Playbox Theatre A musical
235 1980 An Inspector Calls JB Priestley Di Cooke Playbox Theatre  
234 1980 Don't Just Lie There, Say Something Michael Pertwee David Reid Playbox Theatre  
233 1980 Murder in the Cathedral TS Eliot Royce Barclay St Peters Cathedral Staged with children's and women's choruses.
232 1979 Worzle Gummidge Di Cooke (adapted) Di Cooke Playbox Theatre  
231 1979 Half-way up the Tree Ustinov Royce Barclay Playbox Theatre  
230 1979 There Goes The Bride Cooney/Chapman David Reid Playbox Theatre  
229 1979 The Deep Blue Sea Terence Rattigan Don Kjestrup Playbox Theatre  
228 1979 Staircase Chas Dyer William Bulloch Playbox Theatre  
227 1978 Aladdin Corcker adn Gilder Tom Hawley Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
226 1978 She's Done It Again Michael Pertwee David Reid Playbox Theatre  
225 1978 Six Characters in search of an Author Pirandello Joy Curnow Founders Theatre A professional production for the Hamilton Festival of Arts.
224 1978 Lock Up Your Daughters Laurie Johnson, lyrics by Lionel Bart, adapted by Bernard Miles Jean Diwell ?  
223 1978 Trap for a Lonely Man R Thomas Gideon du Toit Playbox Theatre  
222 1977 A Christmas Carol Dickens (adapted by Ron Smith) Ron Smith Playbox Theatre  
221 1977 Not Now, Darling Cooney/Chapman David Reid Playbox Theatre Total audience attendance of 2136.
220 1977 A Day in the Death of Joe Egg P Nichols Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
219 1977 Waltz of the Toreadors Anouihl Peter Drake Playbox Theatre  
218 1977 The wind in the Sassafras Tree Ralton/Simpson Pamela Strange Playbox Theatre  
217 1976 Jack and the Beanstalk Crocker and Gilder Hazel Stroud Founders Theatre A Pantomime.
216 1976 The Ballard of the Sad Cafe Albee Alice Davies Playbox Theatre The four plays of 1976 (American) were royalty-paid by the American Embassy to celebrate the USA Bicentennial Year.
215 1976 All My Sons Arthur Miller David Reid Playbox Theatre  
214 1976 The Dock Brief John Mortimer Ron Smith Te Aroha Little Theatre Federation Festival Entry. Was runner-up, went forward to the Regional Final where it won and wnent on to the New Zealand Final.
213 1976 Mill Hill John Mortimer Ron Smith Te Aroha Little Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
212 1976 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf Albee Peter Drake Playbox Theatre  
211 1976 Barefoot in the Park Neil Simon Mina Laybourne Playbox Theatre  
210 1975 The Princess and the Swineherd SN Gray Peter Drake Playbox Theatre A musical play.
209 1975 The Rocking Cave James McNeish Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
208 1975 Let's Get A Divorce Sardou David Reid Playbox Theatre  
207 1975 A Deal to Judge L Keyes Jeanee Lipscombe Matamata Little Theatre Waikato Federation Festival Entry. Gail Lomas won the Huntington Cup for the Most Promising Novice.
206 1975 Lord Dismiss Us Warren Dibble Joyce Raethel Matamata Little Theatre Waikato Federation Festival Entry.
205 1975 Wait Until Dark Fred Knott Jeanne Lipscombe Playbox Theatre  
204 1975 Happy Family Giles Cooper Peter Drake Playbox Theatre  
203 1974 Robin Hood David Tinkham David Tinkham assisted by Mike Mullord Founders Theatre A Pantomime. A Federation sponsored professional production.
202 1974 Twelve Angry Men R Rose Alice Davies Playbox Theatre Winner of Waikato Area Bass Full-Length Play Contest.
201 1974 Move Over, Mrs Markham Cooney/Chapman David Reid Playbox Theatre Total audience attendance of 1958.
200 1974 Psyche Andre Surridge Andre Surridge Southwell School Hall Hamilton Comps One Act Play Section Entry. Presented for a season at Playbox.
199 1974 Excerpts from Hamlet Shakespeare Roy Hope (arranged by David Reid) Southwell School Hall Hamilton Comps One Act Play Section Entry.
198 1974 The Hangman P Laserkvist John McKee Souythwell School Hall Hamilton Comps One Act Play Section Entry. Presented for a season at Playbox.
197 1974 The Sky is Overcast A Booth Diana Prescott Southwell School Hall Hamilton Comps One Act Play Section Entry. Presented for a season at Playbox.
196 1974 The Dark Lady of the Sonnets GB Shaw Mike Mullord Southwell School Hall Hamilton Comps One Act Play Section Entry.
195 1974 The Rape of the Belt Ben Levy Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre  
194 1974 Hamlet Shakespeare Roy Hope Founders Theatre A Rothman's sponsored professional production.
193 1973 Puss in Boots Crocker and Gilder Tom Hawley Playbox Theatre A Pantomime. 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy
192 1973 The Country Wife W Wycherley Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy
191 1973 A Funny thing happened on the way to the Forum Shavelove, Gilbert and Sondheim David Reid Playbox Theatre A musical. 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy
190 1973 What the Butler Saw Joe Orton Derek Wooster Playbox Theatre 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy
189 1973 One for the Pot Cooney/Hilton Mike Mullord Playbox Theatre 1973 was a specially programmed Season of Comedy
188 1972 Tom Tit Tot Gaelyn Gordon Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
187 1972 The Physicists Durrenmatt David Reid Playbox Theatre  
186 1972 And So To Bed Fagan/Ellis Danny Mateer Playbox Theatre A musical.
185 1972 My Sister, The Hussy, The Whore Robin del la Varis Alice Davies Playbox Theatre Robin is daughter of Alice. The play won the Waikato Federation Festival and was runner-up at Divisional Final.
184 1972 Mother Courage Brecht Derek Wooster Founders Theatre  
183 1972 The Amorous Prawn A Kimmins Brian Clark Playbox Theatre  
182 1972 The Master Builder Ibsen Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
181 1971 Red Riding Hood Crocker and Gilder Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
180 1971 Let Sleeping Wives Lie Bannerman/Brooke David Reid Playbox Theatre A New Zealand premiere.
179 1971 A Man for all Seasons Robert Bolt Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre  
178 1971 The Lion in Love Shelagh Delaney Julie Stirrup Playbox Theatre  
177 1971 Little Brother, Little Sister D Campton Danny Mateer Matamata Little Theatre  
176 1971 Under Milkwood Dylan Thomas Roy Hope Founders Theatre A professional production (NZ Federation sponsored). Professional designed, Andrew McAlpine.
175 1971 Dark of the Moon Richardson/Berney Derek Wooster Playbox Theatre Winner of NZ Theatre Federation Trophy and $200 for Best Overall Production in B&H's NZ full-length play contest. 28 entries.
174 1970 Mother Goose Crocker and Glider Gaelyn Gordon Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
173 1970 The Birthday Party Pinter Julie Stirrup Playbox Theatre  
172 1970 The Killing of Sister George F Marcus Derek Wooster Playbox Theatre  
171 1970 Blithe Spirit Noel Coward David Reid Playbox Theatre  
170 1970 Lord Dismiss Us Warren Dibble Winifred Young Playbox Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
169 1970 The Long Wait Wayne Tourelle Joyce Raethel Playbox Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry. Sent forward to the Divisional Finals.
168 1970 Conversations with a Golliwog A Guyan Danny Matter Playbox Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
167 1970 The Collection Pinter Julie Stirrup Playbox Theatre NZ Theatre Federation Festival Entry.
166 1970 Twelfth Night Shakespeare Hazel Stroud Playbox Theatre  
165 1969 Air - A revue with a number of original sketches and lyrics. David Reid David Reid Playbox Theatre Written and Produced by David Reid.
164 1969 Lovers Brian Friel Roy Hope Playbox Theatre A professional production sponsored by the NZ Drama Council.
163 1969 A Flea in her Ear Feyeau (Translation, Mortimer) David Reid Playbox Theatre A world amateur premiere.
162 1969 The Man who wouldn't go to Heaven F Sladen Smith Alan Quartermain Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Matamata Festival Entry. Alan Quartermain won the Somerfield Cup (Best Novice Producer).
161 1969 Time To Go James Edwards (Te Awa) Workshop Group Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Placed Second. Matamata Festival Entry. Won best Comedy (Sharp Cup) and best NZ Play (McKenzie Cup).
160 1969 The Lover Pinter Julie Stirrup Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Placed Third. Matamata Festival Entry. Won the Matamata Festival (Wrigley Cup).
159 1969 Summer of the 17th Doll Ray Lawler Derek Wooster Playbox Theatre  
158 1968 Aladdin Crocker and Gilder Hazel Stroud Playbox Theatre A Pantomime.
157 1968 The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde Barbara Minogue Playbox Theatre  
156 1968 The Form NF Simpson Derek Wooster Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Also entry in Matamata Festival. Won the Pond Cup (runner-up).
155 1968 Beyond Peter Ustinov Lou Sweeney Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Also entry in Matamata Festival. Sent forward from BDL Festival to Divisional Final.
154 1968 Consolation Prize Milton Smith (Mike Mullord) Mike Mullord Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Also entry in Matamata Festival.
153 1968 Calamity Jane Hanmer, Park and Fain David Reid Playbox Theatre A musical with total audience attendance of 2984.
152 1968 Philadelphia, Here I Come Brian Friel Alice Davies Playbox Theatre Australasian premiere. Also presented for two nights at Auckland Festival. Placed third in NZ Federation 3 act play contest.
151 1967 The Miracle Worker W Gibson Frank Newman Playbox Theatre  
150 1967 Teahouse of the August Moon John Patrick Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
149 1967 The Caretaker Pinter Frank Newman Playbox Theatre A two play season alternating three night runs with The Old Ladies.
148 1967 The Old Ladies Rodney Ackland Frank Newman Playbox Theatre A two play season alternating three night runs with The Caretaker.
147 1967 The Boyfriend Sandy Wilson David Reid Playbox Theatre A musical.
146 1967 The Crucible Arthur Miller Frank Newman Playbox Theatre  
145 1966 Laughter in the Dark V Lucas Frank Newman Founders Theatre  
144 1966 The Pohutukawa Tree Bruce Mason Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
143 1966 The Calf before the Hearse Yves Cabrol Roy Bonnell Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
142 1966 Salad Days Slade and Reynolds David Reid Playbox Theatre A musical. Played extended season, 17 nights to total audiences 2999.
141 1966 Separate Tables Terence Rattigan Frank Newman Founders Theatre  
140 1966 Breath of Spring Peter Coke Frank Curtin Playbox Theatre  
139 1966 The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare Frank Newman Founders Theatre Frank Newman was appointed resident professional producer (Two year contract).
138 1965 Arsenic and Old Lace J Kesselring Roy Bonnell Playbox Theatre  
137 1965 Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
136 1965 The Bald Prima Donna Ionesco Lorna Booth Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
135 1965 The Hole NF Simpson Bernice Roberts Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
134 1965 Look back in Anger John Osborne Patricia Dixon Playbox Theatre  
133 1965 A Midsummer Night's Dream Shakespeare Richard Waddington Founders Theatre  
132 1964 Sweeney Todd Brian J Burton David Reid Playbox Theatre A play with songs.
131 1964 The Strangest kind of Romance T Williams Alice Davies Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
130 1964 A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller Barbara Minogue Playbox Theatre  
129 1964 The Glazed Look T Journet Brian Fisher-Betts Playbox Theatre  
128 1964 Macbeth Shakespeare Nola Miller Founders Theatre A professional production sponsored by the New Zealand Drama Council. And presented in Hamilton's Centennial Year and Shakespeare's 400th Year Anniversary. Set designed by professional, Ron Parker.
127 1963 The Glass Menasgerie Tennessee Williams Alice Davies Playbox Theatre  
126 1963 Caught Napping G Lumsden Frank Curtin Playbox Theatre  
125 1963 The One day of the Year Alex Seymour David Reid Founders Theatre A New Zealand Premier. First play presented in Founders.
124 1963 Operation Parpot Yves Cabrol Jim Cashford Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
123 1963 The Room Pinter Alice Davies Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Topped the Festival and went forward to the Divisional Final where it was runner-up. It also won the Matamata Festival and Louise Johnstone won the McMillan Cup (Best Actress).
122 1963 Doctor in the House E Willis Brian Fisher-Betts Playbox Theatre  
121 1962 The Gazebo Alec Coppel Lorna Booth Playbox Theatre Also presented at Cambridge.
120 1962 The Shifting Heart Richard Beynon David Reid Playbox Theatre Record audiences and season extended to two weeks.
119 1962 The Maker of Dreams O Downs Trevor Brown Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
118 1962 The Confutations of Wisdom Sladen-Smith Peter Meikle Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
117 1962 Back to Zero Clifford Bax Fred Reed & Joyce Raethel Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
116 1962 The Bespoke Overcoat W Mankowitz Alice Davies Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Won the Festival. Went to the Divisional Final and was the winner.
115 1962 The Song of Louise in the Morning P Youdry David Reid Playbox Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Runner-up in the Festival. Went to the Divisional Final and was runner-up. Went on to the New Zealand Final were it was tied as runner-up.
114 1962 Dear Charles Alan Melville Myra Smidt Playbox Theatre  
113 1962 Venus Observed Christopher Fry Richard Waddington Playbox Theatre  
112 1961 Sabrina Fair Samuel Taylor Barbara Minogue Playbox Theatre  
111 1961 The Anniversary Tchekov Lorna Booth Little Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
110 1961 Hello, out there William Saroyan John Murray Little Theatre BDL Festival Entry.
109 1961 Hotel Paradise Georges Feydeau David Reid Little Theatre  
108 1961 My Three Angels S and B Spewak Patricia Dixon Little Theatre  
107 1961 Speaking of Murder A and W Rose John Murray Little Theatre  
106 1960 See how they Run Philip King David Reid Little Theatre Also presented at Te Kuiti.
105 1960 Sordid Story AJ Coppard Frank Curtin Little Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Topped the Festival (with Rise and Shine) and went forward to the Regional Final. Won Regional Final and also won New Zealand Final.
104 1960 Rise and Shine Eida Cadogan Lorna Booth Little Theatre BDL Festival Entry. Topped the Festival (with Sordid Story) and went forward to the Regional Final. Runner-up in Regional Final.
103 1960 Noah Andre Obey Richard Waddington Little Theatre A Playbox Student Group Production.
102 1960 The Bat Rinehart/Hopwood Frank Curtin Little Theatre  
101 1960 The Diary of Anne Frank Goodrich/Hackett David Reid Little Theatre  
100 1959 Wild Goose Chase Derek Benfield Michael Blake Little Theatre  
99 1959 The Chiltern Hundreds WD Horne Frank Curtin Little Theatre  
98 1959 Impasse Gregory Page Michael Devine Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Senior). Naomi Barling and Helen Thompson received Outstanding Performance Certificates.
97 1959 The Happy Journey Thornton Wilder Miles Moody Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Junior).
96 1959 The Browning Version Terence Rattigan John Murray Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Senior). At the Matamata Festival John Murray received Outstanding Performance Certificates.
95 1959 Be Bold, Mr Mould Vernon Sylvaine David Reid Embassy Theatre  
94 1958 Major Barbara G Bernard Shaw Neta Neale Embassy Theatre A professional production with assistance from the New Zealand Drama Council.
93 1958 Good Men Sleep at Home Walter Ellis Roy Bonnell & Lou Sweeney Little Theatre  
92 1958 The Lovers of Madame Dulapin Yves Cabrol Frank Curtin Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Senior). Topped the Festival and sent on to the Regional Final.
91 1958 The Setting Sun Frank Carpenter Violet Stephens Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Senior). Topped the Festival and sent on to the Regional Final.
90 1958 The Pigeon with Silver feet P Johnson Diane Moltzen Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Junior).
89 1958 For the Love of Art Ken Galloway Vikky Scott Embassy Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry (Junior).
88 1958         ???? Archive jumps this slot ????
87 1958 The Hollow Agatha Christie David Reid Embassy Theatre  
86 1957 The Corn is Green Emlyn Williams Patricia Dixon Embassy Theatre  
85 1957 Leap in the Dark Wilfred Massey Lou Sweeney Little Theatre Also staged at Te Awamutu.
84 1957 The Senora Arthur Swinson Pat Byrne Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Reid Rose Bowl (Junior). Marie Spillane, Billy Braggins and Bryan Wakefield (all Juniors) received Outstanding Performance Certificates.
83 1957 High Tension Richard Tydeman Bernice Roberts Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
82 1957 No Prayers Tonight Berry and Ratcliffe Patricia Dixon Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
81 1957 Nitro Anthony Booth Michael Devine Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
80 1957 You can't take it with you. Hart and Kaufman David Reid Embassy Theatre  
79 1956 One Wild Oat Vernon Sylvaine Richard Waddington Little Theatre  
78 1956 The Winslow Boy Terence Rattigan Michael Blake Little Theatre  
77 1956 The Light of Heart Emlyn Williams David Reid Little Theatre  
76 1956 A Lady Mislaid Kenneth Horne Lou Sweeney & George Taylor Little Theatre  
75 1955 Relative Values Noel Coward John Murray Little Theatre  
74 1955 Lady Precious Stream SI Hsing Michael Blake Little Theatre A presentation by Playbox Junior Theatre.
73 1955 Outward Bound Sutton Vale David Reid Little Theatre Also stage at Cambridge.
72 1955 Love's a Luxury Paxton and Hoile George Taylor Little Theatre  
71 1954 Will Any Gentleman Vernon Sylvaine Bryona Quill Little Theatre  
70 1954 Tea for Three Margery Foster George Taylor Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Reid Rose Bowl (Top Junior Play).
69 1954 The Playgoers Arthur Pinero Pamela Stephens Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
68 1954 The Setting Sun Chas Hannan Violet Stephens Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
67 1954 The Day's Mischief Lesley Storm David Reid Little Theatre A New Zealand Premiere.
66 1954 The Man who changed his Name Edgar Wallace Don Smillie Little Theatre  
65 1953 A Midsummer Night's Dream Shakespeare Patric Carey Parana Park Presented in association with People's Theatre by professional producer Patric Carey.
64 1953 The Stocking Christine Gilbert David Reid Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Runner-up.
63 1953 Deirdre WB Yeates Pauline Huntington Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
62 1953 Death takes a Holiday Albert Casella Bryona Quill Little Theatre  
61 1953 A Kiss for Cinderella James Barrie Pauline Huntington Little Theatre  
60 1953 The Happiest Days of your Life J Dighton Violet Stephens assisted by David Reid Little Theatre  
59 1953 Who is Sylvia? Terence Rattigan Pauline Huntington Little Theatre  
58 1952 Lithuania Rupert Brooke David Reid Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Festival with Roll of the Drum and went on to the regional final. Was runner-up at the regional finals. Margaret Reid, Violet Stephens, Bryona Quill and Gorden Sutherland received Outstanding Player Certificates.
57 1952 Roll of the Drum Cyril Roberts Pauline Huntington Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Festival with Lithuania and went on to the regional final..
56 1952 The Cloak Clifford Bax Willia Griffiths Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
55 1952 Miss Tarzan Arnold English Doug Copeland Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
54 1952 A Man Named Matthew R Tydeman Violet Stephens Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
53 1952 Castle in the Air Alan Melville David Reid Little Theatre  
52 1952 Bonaventure Charlotte Hastings Bryona Quill Little Theatre  
51 1952 Tons of Money Evans and Valentine David Reid Little Theatre Also staged at Waikeria Institute.
50 1952 The Peaceful Inn Denis Ogden M Grace Fuller Little Theatre  
49 1951 Night was our Friend Michael Pertwee Don Smillie Little Theatre  
48 1951 Indoor Fireworks Arthur McCrae David Reid Little Theatre Also staged at Cambridge.
47 1951 The Cat Bernard Prentice David Reid ? One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Festival and went on to the Regional Final. Pauline Huntington and David Reid were nominated as Outstanding Players. Also won the Cambridge Festival and David Reid nominated as Outstanding Player. The play also staged at Putaruru.
46 1951 Ma Vatch TB Morris Pauline Huntington   One-acter.
45 1951 Secret Mission Ilma Hurst (Willa Griffiths) Willa Griffiths Little Theatre One-acter. Playbox Playwright.
44 1951 Wife Required Carey and King Brit Wrigh Little Theatre One-acter.
43 1951 Theirs be the Music Nosmo King (Grace Fuller) Grace Fuller Little Theatre One-acter. Playbox Playwrigh.
42 1950 The Silver Bullet Helen Zglinitzki John Nicolas   One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Cambridge Festival Entry.
41 1950 Ebb and Flow V Tarquse M Grace Fuller Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Cambridge Festival Entry.
40 1950 Autumn Crocus Dodie Smith M Grace Fuller Little Theatre  
39 1950 Duet for Two Hands Mary Hayley Bell David Reid Little Theatre  
38 1949 Love in a Mist Kenneth Horne Stan J Carroll Little Theatre  
37 1949 The Sixth Hour Wilfred Grantham David Reid Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Won the Ferstival and went onto the regional final. This production also won the Cambridge Festival and Violet Stephens, Margaret Reid and David Reid were nominated as Outstanding Players.
36 1949 Weatherwise Noel Coward M Grace Fuller Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
35 1949 A Man Named Matthew Richard Tydeman Violet Stephens Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
34 1948 George and Margaret Gerald Savory M Grace Fuller Little Theatre Also staged at Morrinsville
33 1947 Fumed Oak Noel Coward M Grace Fuller Little Theatre This one-acter was staged at the official opening of the Little Theatre.
32 1947 The Morning Star Emlyn Williams David Reid Little Theatre  
31 1947 Background For Tragedy TB Morris David Reid Little Theater One-acter. BDL Festival Entry. Margaret Reid and Stan Carroll were nominated as Outstanding Players.
30 1947 Number 10 S and M Box Marion McMullin Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
29 1947 An Evening On Dartmoor Noel Munro Stan J Carroll Little Theatre One-acter. BDL Festival Entry.
28 1947 Cupid Rampant Percy Corrie M Grace Fuller Little Theatre One-acter.
27 1947 The Good and the Bad Philip Johnson Violet Linder Little Theatre One-acter.
26 1947 The Sixth Hour Wilfred Grantham David Reid Little Theatre One-acter.
25 1947 Forced Landing W Massey Stanley Carroll Theatre Royal  
24 1946 Ladies in Retirement Percy and Denham M Grace Fuller assisted by David Reid Theatre Royal  
23 1940 Old Moore's Almanac   David Reid Civic Theatre  
22 1940 You Never Can Tell G Bernard Shaw Zelda Fahey Civic Theatre  
21 1940 Twentieth Century Lullaby C Mount Joy Sullivan Winter S Hall BDL Entry
20 1939 The Late Christopher Bean R Fauchois/E Williams Zelda Fahey Civic Theatre  
19 1939 Two Gentlemen of Soho AP Herbert David Reid Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry. Won the Festival (highest marks ever awarded by adjucitor). Also won Regional Final and was runner-up at NZ Final.
18 1939 Bring Me My Bow Sidney Box Violet Linder Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry.
17 1939 The Man in the Bowler Hat AA Milne David Reid Theatre Royal  
16 1939 Home and Beauty Somerset Maugham Zelda Fahey Civic Theatre  
15 1938 Fours into Seven - Won't Go Gielgud and Hall HJ Ferguson Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry.
14 1938 The Little Man John Galsworthy Mrs M Thomas Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry. David Reid as The Little Man was nominated as an Outstanding Player.
13 1938 The First Mrs Fraser St John Ervine Les Takle Civic Theatre  
12 1937 And Now - The Journey Conrad Carter EK Brown Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry.
11 1937 The Man in the Bowler Hat AA Milne Les Takle Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry.
10 1937 The Maid of Domremy Joe Corrie EK Brown Winter S Hall BDL Festival Entry. Festival Winner
9 1937 Aren't We All Frederick Lonsdale AE Manning Civic Theatre  
8 1936 Get Out Of Your Cage M Plowman Roma Garratt Winter S Hall Entry in the first BDL Festival and was placed second. Roma Garratt nominated as an Outstanding Player.
7 1936 Double Demon AP Herbert Mrs MJ Thomas Winter S Hall Entry in the first BDL Festival.
6 1936 That Hostel Affair Hugh de Montford Leo Foster Civic Theatre This play was written and produced by Leo Foster who also played a role.
5 1936 The Young Idea Noel Coward Leo Foster Civic Theatre  
4 1936 Another Language Rose Frankau Leo Foster Civic Theatre  
3 1935 The Dover Road AA Milne Hugh Morton Civic Theatre  
2 1934 His House in Order Arthur Pinero AE Manning Civic Theatre  
1 1933 Lillies of the Field JH Turner Walter R Wood Winter S Hall The very first Hamilton Playbox production and the only one directed by our founder.
             
             
             
             
    At the Cenotaph ? ? ? One Act Play Festival.
    Birds 124 241 ? ? ?  
    Cinderella Cinderella ? ? ? One Act Play Festival.
    Death Watch or The Maids ? ? ? One Act Play Festival.
    Gingerbread Lady ? ? ?  
    Shadow Self Andre Surridge Andre Surridge ? One Act Play Festival.
Details