A modern NZ classic written by the late Kiwi playwright Robert Lord, Joyful and Triumphant won the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for Best Production and its author also took Playwright of the Year in 1992.

“This play is very funny and very poignant and talks about all sorts of things – racism, sexism, mixed marriages, the role of mothers and fathers and sons and daughters, it’s a very interesting work.”

Joyful and Triumphant covers forty years of the Bishop family’s Christmas Day meals and rituals. Each scene juxtaposes the mundane with the poignant, as tables are set and roasts are cooked while familial relationships unravel over the decades from 1949 to 1989. It’s a wonderful, warm, and funny look at Kiwi life last century.

Cast

2 Males and 5 Females

Dad (George Bishop) – Staunch Labour supporter. Worked for Road Services all his life and is now manager of the town depot. The character ages from 52 – 92 (is in 6 scenes).

Mum (Lyla Bishop) – Married George at age 19. A devoted homemaker, wife, and mother. Character ages from 50 – 70 (4 scenes).

Rose Bishop – Bright but increasingly mousier as the play progresses. Runs the children’s section of the library but dreams of marriage and a life of her own. Character ages from 28 – 68 (5 scenes).

Ted Bishop – Slightly wounded whilst training for the army in WW2, married Brenda the nurse who looked after him, father to Raewyn and Tom, trying to find a decent job but a bit workshy. Lives in Wellington where ‘the action is’. Character ages from 35 – 67 (5 scenes).

Brenda Bishop – Married Ted despite her father’s disapproval, and to spite him is determined to make the marriage work through outwardly supporting her husband whilst privately doubting him. Character ages from 34 – 66 (6 scenes).

Raewyn Bishop – Grows into a very headstrong and opinionated young lady! Character ages from 24 – 45 (3 scenes).

Alice Warner (a neighbour) – A true blue National supporter who feels a little sorry for her working-class neighbours. Character ages from 52 – 81 (5 scenes).

Auditions

Sunday 7th August 2022 at 4.00pm & Monday 8th August 2022 at 7.30pm

Rehearsals will be Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and production dates are 10th to 19th November. Perusal scripts will be available soon from Paper Plus Coastlands, Paraparaumu.

Queries

Phone Ross Jordan, 027 635 8985