News
at Riverlea Theatre in association with CCS
Happening: 14-15 February 2025
Teams of up to six actors, per team, write and rehearse a play in 24 hours. They then perform it to a public audience on Saturday night. Each team will have adjudication, and a winner will be announced.
Registrations are open for our annual 24 Hour Play Challenge happening on the 14/15 February. If you have been part of this event before you know how much fun it can be, and if you haven’t yet been able to experience it, now is your chance!
You can register online by completing this form
https://forms.gle/3zBYu89HExsmjZDu8
If you have any questions or would like a registration form emailed to you, please contact us at
- Details
We are delighted to announce the cast for our production of James and the Giant Peach!
What an amazing weekend we had auditioning dozens of youths and adults for our early 2025 production of ‘James and the Giant Peach’.
We have assembled an outstanding cast and were blown away by the talent on show. An extraordinary mix of seasoned adults and highly talented youngsters who will delight and amaze you.
Tickets are on sale now - https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/mar/james-and-the-giant-peach
- Details
AUDITIONS
When: 14 and 15 December 2024
Venue: Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton
by Roald Dahl
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
Directed by Coryn Knapper
This much-loved classic story by Dahl, about an orphan boy and his adventures with a colourful array of creatures and a giant peach.
This will be a mixed YOUTH (Y) / ADULT (A) production. (A) could be an older teen.
Cast required: If no age or Y or A stated, anyone can audition
James: (9-12 years) a lonely boy who develops into a brave leader.
Aunt Sponge: (A) comedic actress, full of own importance, cruel towards James.
Aunt Spiker: (A) as for Aunt Sponge.
Old Green Grasshopper: (A) elderly, genial, courteous.
Miss Spider: a little ‘sharp’ and scary but, ultimately, kind.
Ladybird: posh, pretty but not vain, gets upset easily.
Centipede: confident, cheeky, full of energy, warm-hearted.
Earthworm: blind, a pessimist whose self-esteem improves.
Minor Roles: James’ parents, Tour Guide, TV reporter, Old Man, Ship's Captain, Officers, will be cast from the Ensemble who will also play a variety of roles as tourists, New Yorkers, paraders, cheerleaders etc.
To book an audition time…
Email Production Manager at
- Details
Season Dates: 12-26 October 2024
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman, licenced by NZ Play Bureau.
Directed by Lawrie Johnson
When Randle Patrick McMurphy gets transferred for evaluation from a prison farm to a mental institution, he assumes it will be an easier environment than the prison farm.
But the cruel Nurse Ratched runs the psychiatric ward with an iron fist, keeping her patients cowed through abuse. The battle of wills between the rebellious McMurphy and the inflexible Ratched soon affects all the ward's patients and chaos descends.
This play is recommended as an R16.
The play contains adult material, including topics of violence, sex and suicide. We strongly recommend parental guidance.
You can reserve your seats now by clicking here to go to iTicket.
- Details
REGIONAL COMPETITION
Saturday, 24 August at Riverlea Theatre
Doors open at 6.30pm, $5 per person
The TheatreFest Regional competition is being held on Saturday, 24 August 2024 at Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton.
We have teams from Dargaville and New Plymouth competing for the prizes. This all starts from 7pm.
Door sales only, the cost is $5 per head and includes tea, coffee and biscuits.
The bar will be open and entertainment by Hamilton Playbox during deliberations.
We look forward to seeing you there.
- Details
What: AI
When: 19 July 2024, 7pm
Where: Riverlea Theatre, Studio 1
You are invited to our dress rehearsal Friday 19th at 7pm, Riverlea Theatre, studio 1, to see our entry in 2024 TNZ TheatreFest competition.
The play is called AI and lasts about 25 minutes. Please come and support our actors who have all battled sickness over the rehearsal period and would appreciate your support and encouragement.
The performers are Nina Brassington, Joanna Roberts, Ruth Schirley, Liz Sheppard and Lorna Ashton. Friends and family most welcome.
- Details
AUDITIONS
When: 14 and 15 December 2024
Venue: Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton
by Roald Dahl
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
Directed by Coryn Knapper
This much-loved classic story by Dahl, about an orphan boy and his adventures with a colourful array of creatures and a giant peach.
This will be a mixed YOUTH (Y) / ADULT (A) production. (A) could be an older teen.
Cast required: If no age or Y or A stated, anyone can audition
James: (9-12 years) a lonely boy who develops into a brave leader.
Aunt Sponge: (A) comedic actress, full of own importance, cruel towards James.
Aunt Spiker: (A) as for Aunt Sponge.
Old Green Grasshopper: (A) elderly, genial, courteous.
Miss Spider: a little ‘sharp’ and scary but, ultimately, kind.
Ladybird: posh, pretty but not vain, gets upset easily.
Centipede: confident, cheeky, full of energy, warm-hearted.
Earthworm: blind, a pessimist whose self-esteem improves.
Minor Roles: James’ parents, Tour Guide, TV reporter, Old Man, Ship's Captain, Officers, will be cast from the Ensemble who will also play a variety of roles as tourists, New Yorkers, paraders, cheerleaders etc.
To book an audition time…
Email Production Manager at
- Details
You’re invited to celebrate forty years of Riverlea Theatre!
Our venue has been a proud member of the Hamilton arts community for forty years. To celebrate, we are hosting an evening for members to celebrate and share memories. At 8pm we will take a group photo and add it to our time capsule before sealing it until 2044, our Diamond Anniversary.
Our 40 year Anniversary is this Friday and this is the stunning recycled Rimu time capsule we have had handcrafted by ALchemy BoxArt. This was a piece of wood covered in paint in someones shed and, like Riverlea, underneath the surface was a true gem.
We have some wonderful keepsakes to put in the Time Capsule on Friday night and it will be sealed by our theatre Patrons, Dr John and Glennice Gallagher. The capsule will have it's plaque attached and be featured in our trophy cabinet.
#riverleatheatreturns40 #riverleatheatre #rubyanniversary #kirikiriroatheatre
- Details
Hamilton Playbox an amateur theatre society founded in 1933 is looking for local directors to forward their proposal for plays for consideration by the committee.
Full details should be submitted including:
The Synopsis
Set out the theme of the play, the setting, and a short resumé in order to succinctly describe the overall plot.
The Characters
Set out the characters, age group, and any other aspects required by both the playwright and director.
Description of how Play is to be staged
This should describe in detail the set required and how this is to be staged, ie. Off centre, in the round, single-story, box set. Other aspects should be included – props, costume, time frame, lighting, sound and additional extras, ie. ‘no surprises’.
Directors Experience
A brief CV should be included setting out previous and present experience in theatre and drama together with any other associated aspects.
Target Audience
Set out a brief description of the type of audience expected to enjoy this production.
Time Slot Requested
Playbox Theatre usually presents three major productions per year – March/April, June and October.
Summary
Summarise any of the aspects previously mentioned as well as any other points not fully covered under the headings.
Play submissions can be sent to Hamilton Playbox by one of the following methods:
Mail to...
Hamilton Playbox
PO Box 24-043
Hamilton 3253
Email to...
- Details
Hamilton Playbox are excited to announce the cast for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Directed by Lawrie Johnson
12-26 October 2024
Chief Bromden: Greg Hack
Randle P. McMurphy: Hayden Newport
Dale Harding: Nick Clothier
Billy Bibbit: Danny Bailey
Scanlon: Arthur van Ressegham
Cheswick: Seattle Tupuhi
Martini: Ron Dalton
Ruckly: Adam White
Nurse Ratched: Julia Turner
Nurse Flinn: Alice Field
Dr. Spivey: Sean Dwyer
Warren: Adam Rangitaawa
Williams: Alex Smith
Turkle: John Turner
Candy Starr: Sherrie Roue
Sandra: Caitlyn Blake
Congratulations to our cast and thank you to all those that came along to audition.
- Details
Happening: Friday 21 June 2024, 7pm
Venue: Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton
Get your brain into gear and get ready for one of our legendary Picture This quizzes. Prizes and bragging rights are ready for the taking.
Get your team of six together or email
Ticket $5 per person, includes supper. Bar will be open, raffles on sale.
On the night team registration from 6:30pm.
- Details
Captain Festus McBoyle and his travellin' variety show
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the two performances of Captain Festus McBoyle and his travellin' variety show has been cancelled.
If you have purchased tickets you will be contacted by iTicket and a refund given.
We are disappointed and hope to see you at our other upcoming events.
- Details
This family show simply should not be missed!
Hamilton Playbox presents
CAPTAIN FESTUS MCBOYLE AND HIS TRAVELLIN’ VARIETY SHOW
TWO SHOWS ONLY – 15 JUNE 2024
Book now TICKETS available iticket.co.nz - CAPTAIN FESTUS MCBOYLE AND HIS TRAVELLIN’ VARIETY SHOW (iticket.co.nz)
A fabulously fun family show filled to the brim with well-crafted comedy songs and awe-inspiring tales of the sea.
Presented by: Hamilton Playbox Repertory Society Incorporated
From the ashes of a 25-year, non-illustrious rock ‘n’ roll career, comes the unwashed, semi-toothed and slightly uncouth, piratical 'Cheese' Captain Festus McBoyle.
Armed with only his cheeky humour and the sharpened hooks of his songs, the Captain is joined on stage by Miss Lucy Drawers and Ebenezer Strong and, together, they are more fun than a squirrel up ya jumper!
Regularly compared to Monty Python and Spike Milligan, this Vaudeville Musical Comedy Troupe playfully target unsuspecting families with the utmost precision. They'll whisk you away on a first-class voyage to sample the weird and wonderful world in all its glory, transcending both age and culture with ease.
Multi award-winning family entertainer, Captain Festus McBoyle promises a comedy theatre experience you will never forget. Dynamic, interactive, and completely bonkers, it’s filled to the brim with well-crafted songs, awe-inspiring tales of the sea, and plenty of the usual cheek we've come to expect from this one-of-a-kind 'Punk Rock' Pirate.
Masters of Music and Mischief!
The Ultimate Rotten Family Entertainers!
Venue: Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton.
- Details
When: Saturday 1 and Sun 2 June 2024
Venue: Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton
The story of the devil-may-care rogue who has committed himself temporarily to a mental home rather than work in a prison. He transforms the home, charming everyone, except the fierce martinet of a head nurse, and works wonders with a presumed deaf-and-dumb Indian.
For more information or to arrange an audition time please email: Production Manager, Hugh at
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Character Descriptions
The Patients
Chief Bromden:
The narrator of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Chief Bromden is the son of a Native American Chief and a white woman. In addition to suffering from paranoia and hallucinations, Chief has received multiple electroshock treatments and has been in the hospital for ten years, longer than any other patient in the ward. Bromden sees modern society as a huge, oppressive conglomeration that he calls the ‘Combine’ and the hospital as a place meant to fix people who do not conform. Bromden chronicles the story of the mental ward while developing his perceptual abilities and regaining a sense of himself as an individual.
Randle P. McMurphy:
The play’s protagonist. Randle McMurphy is a charismatic, larger-than-life, and profoundly masculine, a gambler, a con man, and backroom boxer, his body is heavily scarred and tattooed. After being sentenced to six months at a prison work farm, he didn’t protest when he was diagnosed as a psychopath and transferred to the hospital, McMurphy truely does not see himself as ill and figured life on a mental ward would be easier than physical labor.
The actor performing the role of McMurphy must be comfortable smoking a fake cigarette, kissing a female actor, safely engaging in stage combat, and being onstage in only his boxer shorts and wears just a towel in one scene.
Uses foul language.
Dale Harding:
A bitter, intelligent, educated and effeminate man, he’s president of the Patients’ Council. Harding helps McMurphy understand the realities of the hospital. Although he is married, Harding is a homosexual, and has difficulty dealing with the overwhelming social prejudice against homosexuals, so he hides in the hospital voluntarily. The actor performing the role of Harding must be comfortable smoking a fake cigarette and being onstage in his underwear and undershirt.
Billy Bibbit:
A shy patient that’s a case study in arrested development. Billy has a bad stutter and seems much younger than his thirty-one years. Billy is dominated by his mother, one of Nurse Ratched’s close friends. The actor performing the role of Billy must be comfortable both kissing a female actor onstage as well as being comfortable in onstage in underwear and an undershirt.
Scanlon:
Scanlon is the only Acute patient besides McMurphy who was involuntarily committed to the hospital. He’s cranky, stand-offish and possibly violent. Scanlon has fantasies of blowing things up. The actor performing the role of Scanlon must be comfortable being onstage in his underwear and undershirt.
Uses foul language.
Cheswick:
Cheswick, a man of much talk and little action, has a nervous disposition, and is prone to hysterical outbursts. When McMurphy arrives, he believes he’s found a savior who’ll stand up for him and the other patients. The actor performing the role of Cheswick must be comfortable in his underwear and undershirt onstage.
Martini:
Martini is a delusional Italian-American man who lives in a world of hallucinations and has a highly contagious and recognizable laugh. McMurphy frequently includes him in the card games with the other patients, even when Martini is interacting with his own hallucinations. The actor performing the role of Martini must be comfortable in his underwear and undershirt onstage.
Ruckly:
A Chronic patient. Ruckly, was once an Acute, but was transformed into a Chronic due to a botched lobotomy. His few lines are mostly profanities, but his tortured silence and stillness speak volumes. The actor performing the role of Ruckly must be comfortable shaving their head and remaining in a “Christ-like” pose for much of the play.
Uses foul language.
The Staff
Nurse Ratched:
The domineering head nurse of the hospital ward and the play’s antagonist. She is a former army nurse of indeterminate age, who rules her patients with an iron hand from behind a placating but icy façade. She selects her staff for their submissiveness and she weakens her patients through a psychologically manipulative program designed to destroy their self-esteem. The actor performing the role of Nurse Ratched must be comfortable to safely engaging in light stage combat and having her torso exposed while wearing a bra.
Nurse Flinn:
A meek, ineffectual, and highly-religious young woman. She is obsessed with a birthmark on her body that she attempts to scrub away nightly. Nurse Flinn is afraid of the patients’ sexuality as well as her own.
Dr. Spivey:
A smart but soft push-over of a doctor who is easily controlled by Nurse Ratched due to his mild-mannered and milquetoast demeanor. With McMurphy’s arrival, he, like the patients, begins to assert himself, and often finds himself supporting McMurphy against Nurse Ratched.
Aides; Warren & Williams
The hospital daytime aides are written as angry and disenfranchised young men. After hiring them, Nurse Ratched used their hatred of society to her own advantages, and now they both submit to her wishes completely.
The actors performing the roles of Warren and Williams must be comfortable safely engaging in physical situations including small hand-to-hand combat, both use foul language.
Aide; Turkle:
The nighttime orderly for Nurse Ratched’s ward has a genuinely warm presence that stands in opposition to the rest of the hospital staff but he’s not the best employee, he frequently shows up to work stoned and is responsible for helping McMurphy throw the illicit nighttime party that leads the play’s tragic ending. The actor performing the role of Turkle must be comfortable smoking a pretend joint onstage.
Others
Candy Starr:
A beautiful prostitute with a heart of gold, from Portland, Oregon. (Candy has been with McMurphy in the past) She relieves Billy Bibbit of his virginity. The actor performing the role of Candy must be comfortable kissing a male actor and being in various states of undress onstage.
Sandra:
An earthy, edgy prostitute with a good sense of humor. She is good friends with Candy and has had a past relationship with McMurphy. She accompanies Candy to the illicit nighttime party that McMurphy hosts on the hospital ward. The actor performing the role of Sandra must be comfortable kissing a male actor onstage.
- Details
Theatre New Zealand - TheatreFest 2024
27 & 28 July
Theatre New Zealand's TheatreFest 2024 is set to be a vibrant showcase of creativity and performance art, inviting participants from all over the country to bring their unique theatrical productions to the stage. As an inclusive platform, TheatreFest 2024 welcomes a wide array of performances, from traditional plays to experimental pieces that incorporate music, dance, and diverse cultural narratives. With a generous time limit of 50 minutes per production or less in duration, participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of storytelling and stagecraft, making this festival a celebration of theatrical innovation and diversity.
TheatreFest 2024 is not just a competition; it's a national gathering that recognizes and honors the hard work, creativity, and excellence in the realm of theatre. Whether you're a seasoned playwright, an aspiring actor, or a dedicated member of the backstage crew, TheatreFest provides a unique opportunity to showcase your talents, learn from others, and be part of a community that values theatrical arts. The festival's open forum approach ensures that all forms of theatrical expression, irrespective of genre, style, or cultural background, fi nd a welcoming and appreciative audience.
For those interested in taking part in this exciting event, key dates to mark on your calendar include the Local TheatreFests, which will be happening nationwide in late June, July, and early August 2024. These dates are subject to change, so staying informed is crucial. Whether you're aiming to participate, volunteer, or simply enjoy the performances, TheatreFest 2024 promises to be an enriching experience.
For more detailed information or to express your interest, reaching out to Lorna Ashton at
Don't miss this chance to be part of New Zealand's thriving theatre community!
- Details
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that the production "Jersey Girls Farmed and Dangerous" will not be going ahead.
Because of the circumstances, and time constraints, the Hamilton Playbox committee unanimously made the decision to cancel this production.
There are no plans at this stage to reschedule this show.
We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience, we're sure that you're just as disappointed as we are.
We would like to thank you for your understanding and continued support.
We are looking at some other options to fill some of the gaps and we hope to see you again very soon.
- Details
If you received a notification advising you had won tickets from our promotion of The Borrowers, this was a scam from a profile imitating us! Winners have not been chosen yet.
We will never ask you to follow any links to claim prizes, and if unsure please message us to verify. This scammer has been blocked and we will be vigilant to block any further attempts.
- Details
And we are go for our annual 24 Hour Play Challenge in February next year. Start gathering your teams together. Limited spaces and we have already had enquiries.
- Details
- Details
Congratulations to our cast and thank you to all those that came along to auditions.
- Details
One of New Zealand's longest running dramatic societies
You can download this flyer by clicking here!
24hr Play Challenge, Riverlea Theatre in association with CCS.
Teams of up to four actors per team write and rehearse a play in 24 hours. They then perform it to a public audience on Saturday night, have adjudication and a winner announced. For more information, please contact Lee Owens at
Dates: 16 and 17 February 2024
The Twits, Hamilton Arts Festival, Hamilton Gardens, licenced by NZ Play Bureau.
Directed by Lorna Ashton
Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Adapted for the stage by David Wood.
Set in a circus and bored with playing silly tricks on one and other. The grotesque, revolting Mr and Mrs Twit turn their attentions to capturing and training a family of monkeys, the Muggle-wumps.
Three performances between 23 February – 03 March 2024.
Auditions: 4 November 2023 – Group Audition at Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road, Hamilton in the lounge at 9am. All Welcome.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton adapted for stage by Charles Way, Riverlea Theatre presented with the permission of Keylight Inc.
Directed by Glen Mathews
The Borrowers is about the Clock family, Pod, Homily, and their daughter Arrietty, who live under the floorboards and survive by “borrowing” what they need from the “human beans” who live above them. Their world is put in danger when a boy arrives in the house.
Auditions: 25 and 26 November 2023 / Season Dates 6-20 April 2024
Theatre New Zealand TheatreFest 2024
If you are interested in participating or being part of this nationwide competition run by Theatre NZ. For more information, please contact Lorna Ashton at
Jersey Girls – Farmed and Dangerous by Lynelle Kuriger - Playwright, Riverlea Theatre.
Directed by Jayden Watkins
Should a heifer devote herself to just one bull? Never! But that doesn't stop Bub falling for the first bull she ever meets. Love is a dangerous game when you're a Jersey Girl if you're not in calf with the rest of the herd it can only mean a one-way trip... on the works truck! Follow Bub and the rest of the herd on Mr and Mrs Farmers block. It's been a whole year since Bub, Sooky and the rest of the heifers last saw the herd, leaving the farm as young calves. Upon re-joining the herd ruled by the cunning matriarch, Grandma, they have to quickly come to grips with behaving like a good cow! Easier said than done when there are a couple of randy bulls vying for their attention, and it looks as though Mrs Farmer (the best thing around the farm) might be sent away herself if she's not pregnant! Can Bub and the rest of the herd get Mrs Farmer in calf while saving themselves from Mr Farmer and the cull?
Auditions: TBC / Season Dates: 8-22 June 2024
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman, licenced by NZ Play Bureau.
Directed by Lawrie Johnson
The story of the devil-may-care rogue who has committed himself temporarily to a mental home rather than work in a prison. He transforms the home, charming everyone, except the fierce martinet of a head nurse, and works wonders with a presumed deaf-and-dumb Indian. However, he is condemned by the nurse to a frontal lobotomy, which will leave him a vegetable, and to save him his fellow inmates smother him.
Auditions: TBC / Season Dates: 12-26 October 2024
You can download this flyer by clicking here!
- Details