Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe

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Since 1987 Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe has presented two or three shows each year in Eastbourne.


Productions have included musicals and musical reviews, classic British and American dramas, thrillers, comedies and modern New Zealand theatre. 


Among others we have produced Shakespeare, Chekhov, Anouilh, JB Priestley, Brecht, Tennessee Williams, Luigi Pirandello, Alan Ayckbourne, and Bruce Mason. 

The Troupe welcomes new members of all theatrical interests

Latest Production

This year’s Bard in the Yard in Eastbourne will be the only outdoor summer production of Shakespeare in the Wellington region. This follows the demise of the Wellington Summer Shakespeare Trust last year after four decades of annual productions. 

Directors John Marwick and Elspeth Cotsilinis have given a new twist by setting Shakespeare’s story of unchecked power and ambition. in a contemporary crime family.

Macbeth, played by Allan Burne, leads the notorious Scotland crime family’s successful fight against rebels and rivals. He and his wife, played by Lian Butcher, plot to murder the Boss, Duncan, and assume control of the family. But who can Macbeth trust? Blood will have blood as Macbeth sinks into despotism, friends turn against him, and his wife dies.

Leading actors Burne and Butcher, both of whom have been awarded Excellence in Acting awards from the Wellington District Theatre Federation for previous Shakespeare productions, are joined by 14 others from around the Region. 

The play will be performed outdoors in the Muritai School Yard if the weather is fine but moves into the adjacent school hall if not. Audience members are advised to dress warmly and to arrive in time to get a hot mulled wine from the bar. The production includes some quite violent scenes and is not suitable for young children – parental guidance is recommended. 

The play opens on February 29 and continues March1, 2, 7, 8 & 9. Start time is 7:30 pm sharp and, with one interval, finish is expected around 10:00 pm.  

Tickets are available online from Eventfinda (www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/macbeth/lower-hutt)

and from Artisan Coop. Rimu Street, Eastbourne

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