The Havelock Theatre Company was founded by actor/playwright Don Edwards in January 1999 in Havelock, Marlborough, New Zealand. The first production was “The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Room at Farndale Castle” by David McGillivray & Walter Zerlin Jnr, directed by Don and starring Julie Tidy, Rick Edmonds, Paula O’Donnell, Jaine Cronin, Mike Mullord, Josie Blackadder and Natalie Roberts.
Since then, there have been two productions per year (twenty-five to date and counting), most of which have been written by local people.
Early plays included Dr Cassavent, Wakamarina Gold 1 & 2 and Once A Happy Cowboy written by Don Edwards and the Bob & Billy Trilogy, Place in the Sun, Johnny Castaway and Bob & Billy's Big Adventure by Rick Edmonds. For a full list see the “shows” tab.
In 2009 one of these plays “Two Weddings and a Funeral” written by local writer and artist Rick Edmonds won the New Zealand Theatre Federation Top of the South Festival .The play went on to be placed second overall at the South Island Theatre Federation Festival at Dunedin that year. One of the cast won an award for most promising actor.
In 2010 and again in 2013 the Company won the Trust Power Marlborough Community Awards for Arts and Culture. 
The citations commented that The Havelock Theatre Company provided the community with top-class theatre and has added to Marlborough’s strong reputation as a region with a vibrant theatre culture. We have put our prize money towards replacing the curtains over the Proscenium Arch which will enhance the architecture of the early 1900s of which we in Havelock are justly proud.
We are grateful to the Havelock Mussel Festival Committee, Marlborough District Council Arts and Heritage fund and Theatre New Zealand for their support. As a result of their generosity we have been able to purchase items for the Town Hall that benefit all users.
| Our shows are presented with cafe-style seating. Bring your own nibbles and drinks to enjoy during the evening.
Tea, coffee, and tasty snacks also can be purchased before the show and during the interval. This service is operated as a fundraiser by one of our fellow community groups. |
Our Next Show - NEWBIES by Julia Daniel
directed by Troy Warring
Opening Night - Wednesay 3rd July at 7:30 pm then nightly to Saturday 6th, with a Matinee on Sunday 7th at 2:00 pm.
Then again at 7:30pm from Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th.
Two further performances are being staged at The Boathouse Theatre in Blenheim on the evenings of 23rd & 24th July
Tickets:
The Gallery Havelock - Main Road, Havelock (574 2821)
Online at: www.trybooking.com
(Be sure to click on the New Zealand tab at the top of the home page before searching for Newbies)
