OSPA
Your ticket to local entertainment
Membership Payment 2022
Subscriptions 2022
Help support your local theatre - Times are tough for all theatres and OSPA is no exception. Even though we are unable to put on any shows at the moment, we still need to keep the theatre afloat. With regular outgoings such as power, emergency lighting checks, insurance etc., your ongoing support is a great help.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Jailhouse Frocks
Between Friday 18 November 2022 and Saturday 26 November 2022
Dim-witted officer Dwayne's tranquil evening at the Birchwood County Police Station is shattered with the arrest of three unlikely women; the Mayor's wife, the local mad cat-lady, and a dangerous looking New Yorker. The already chaotic situation descends into mayhem as the night progresses, in the end leaving Dwayne wondering how on earth he managed to make the arrest of a lifetime.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Adam McGrath
Sunday 9 October 2022
Adam McGrath (from The Eastern) Solo - Right here in Onewhero.
Adam McGrath is a folk singer and yarn spinner stationed wherever he can get a key! Described by RNZ as a “National Treasure” and the Herald as “NZ’s toughest minded songwriter”, Adam is more widely known as lead singer and songwriter with
one of NZ’s most loved roots/country bands The Eastern. He spends 8 months a year on the road between NZ, Australia, Europe and parts beyond. With The Eastern and solo he has shared stages with and opened for Fleetwood Mac, Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes and many, more.
Described as “maybe part folk singer, part preacher, part boxer, and part rodeo clown he is however all heart”. Raucous, tender, roof and spirit raising a McGrath show goes straight for the spirit level in all of us, looking deep for the good parts and hoping to reach all the thoughtful bits that matter.
OSPA - Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
The Mad Doggerel Cabaret
Wednesday 31 August 2022
Two poets and a musician combine to present a comic and lyric portrait of Aotearoa New Zealand and its place in the South Pacific today. Their Mad Doggerel poetry cabaret is full of cascading words, wild musicality and lightning humour.
OSPA - Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Michael Hurst is The Golden Ass - A tale of epic proportions
Saturday 30 July 2022
Freely adapted from the notorious original by Apuleius, this brand new solo show is the story of Lucius - a young man driven by sexual desire and insatiable curiosity who is accidentally transformed into a donkey. Uh-oh!
What follows is a fantastical series of misadventures in a wicked world of witches, bandits, virgins, cultists, slaves, circuses, soldiers, pastry-cooks, prostitutes and priests. Marvellously, sidesplittingly ridiculous. The Golden Ass is the original donkey show. Adult R Rate
OSPA - Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
AUSTEN FOUND
Friday 1 October 2021
Addicted to Darcy? Bonkers for Big Balls? Lost all Sense and Sensibility? Well put down your cross-stitching and get ready to enjoy an entirely improvised musical in the style of Jane Austen. You saw their videos during the lockdown, now see them in person.
AOT favourite Penny Ashton is back, with her most excellently accomplished friends! World Famous hobbit Lori Dungey and twinkle fingers Jason Smith will use your suggestions and spin instant literary magic as they swoon, romp and pianoforte
OSPA Theatre
Aperture
Sunday 11 July 2021
Actor and director Martine Baanvinger, who wrote and starred in the award-winning play Solitude, returns in this creative and innovative one-woman play about Ans Westra, a NZ Arts Foundation Icon photographer.
In 1957, Ans Westra emigrated from the Netherlands to NZ and took photos of her new homeland. Fascinated by Maori culture in particular, she created an intimate and uniquely historical documentation of Maori life which led to a successful career capturing the essence of Aotearoa $25.00
OSPA Theatre
Dr Ian Chapman & the Cosmic Jive Trio
Thursday 24 June 2021
David Bowie & the Art of Being Different is a wonderfully entertaining celebration of
eccentric creativity, a testament to how the arts can empower, improve mental health, heal
past traumas, and provide an essential blueprint for how to deal with bullying. Above all,
this show is a triumphant affirmation of the power and potential of difference.
A AOTNZ show. Tickets $25.00
OSPA Theatre
Peninsula
Between Wednesday 26 May 2021 and Saturday 5 June 2021
Set on Banks Peninsula, South Island, in the 1960’s, Peninsula is an insightful glimpse into the concerns, dreams and joys of childhood in 20th century rural NZ. The story centres around Michael Hope, a young boy who lives on a volcano. While geological rumblings may remain deep underground, unrest in the adult world threatens to erupt into his life, changing everything.
Rich with Kiwi nostalgia and performed by five talented actors who play two characters each – one young and one older.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
South of France
Sunday 14 February 2021
Violinist Fiona Pears and guitarist Connor Hartley-Hall share a love of Gypsy jazz. This music was originally made famous by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and French virtuoso violinist Stéphane Grappelli, back in the 1930s. Take a virtual trip to the South of France from the comfort of the concert. The music Fiona and Connor will be performing in their upcoming shows will be a mix of fiery Gypsy jazz, heartwarming ballads and some well known classics. a AOTNZ show. Tickets $25.00
OSPA Theatre
A Bunch of Amateurs
Between Friday 4 December 2020 and Saturday 12 December 2020
Washed up Hollywood star Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear at "Stratford" in a bid to boost his flagging career. He finds himself instead in the sleepy Suffolk village of Stratford St John with a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Steele's arrogance barely allows him such indignities as rehearsing Shakespeare in a barn. But, amongst the locals, he slowly comes to rethink some of his assumptions and look at life in a whole new way. #Adult themes
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
ARO - He Manu Anō
Saturday 26 September 2020
We welcome back Aro to Onewhero following their successful pre-lockdown gig. Their new EP He Manu Anō, is an extension of their bilingual debut album Manu, which told the tales of 10 native manu, playing on the birds characteristics and some of their significance for Māori – through a mixture of vocals, Māori rhythms, chants and instrumentation. The EP will consist of songs of the most requested birds that did not appear on their first album, and will be entirely in te reo Māori.
OSPA Theatre
ARO - He Manu Anō v2 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 26 September 2020
We welcome back Aro to Onewhero following their successful pre-lockdown gig. Their new EP He Manu Anō, is an extension of their bilingual debut album Manu, which told the tales of 10 native manu, playing on the birds characteristics and some of their significance for Māori – through a mixture of vocals, Māori rhythms, chants and instrumentation. The EP will consist of songs of the most requested birds that did not appear on their first album, and will be entirely in te reo Māori.
OSPA Theatre
Gig in the Garden - ARO
Saturday 22 February 2020
OSPA returns to Bob and Di's garden for the 8th year in a row with ARO. Aro are husband and wife duo, Emily and Charles Looker (Ngapuhi) who blend stories in song that express the people, the culture, and the heart of their home country, Aotearoa New Zealand. Both talented musicians in their own right, their sound together is best described as 'Aotearoa Pop with Jazz, RnB & Kapahaka influences’.
Gig in the Garden
Radio Times
Friday 1 November 2019
Back in the day before television, people settled down to listen to their radios, enjoying, in particular, the variety shows that featured vocal and instrumental offerings and short plays.
Recreating this format live on stage, Onewhero Society of Performing Arts’ next show is Radio Times. The lineup includes an original play, a short skit, and a varietly of stunning musical performances. 7.30pm Friday 1 November. Tickets are just $15 for adults and $5 for children
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Solitude
Sunday 4 August 2019
In 1913 Annie enters the remote mountains of Kahurangi National Park to live a hidden life with her lover Henry Chaffey. Forty years in exile, swallowed by the silence, enslaved by the fire. This beautiful, touching true story is about love, loneliness, loss and laughter. An old story from a new perspective. Nominated for multiple categories and winner of best Music/Sound at the Nelson Fringe Festival. Tickets $25.00
OSPA Theatre
Badjelly the Witch
Between Friday 26 July 2019 and Saturday 3 August 2019
Stinky-poo, stinky-poo – Badjelly the Witch is heading our way. Adapted by Alannah O’Sullivan from the book by Spike Milligan, there’s no story quite like Badjelly the Witch with its cast of crazy characters. Kids of all generations (from 4 to 94!) will delight in seeing Badjelly and her henchman, Dulboot the giant, outwitted by Dinglemouse, Binklebonk the tree goblin and many more as Tim and Rose search for their stolen cow, Lucy. It’s classic Milligan madness!
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
The NZ Guitar Quartet
Saturday 13 July 2019
Bringing an infectious energy to the stage, their music transcends borders both geographically and stylistically with performances of classical, contemporary and world music. Covering a diverse range of genres including Balkan, Brazilian, Persian, bluegrass, Celtic, Spanish and flamenco music. An Arts on Tour NZ show.Tickers $25.00
OSPA Theatre
The Pohutukawa Tree
Between Friday 3 May 2019 and Saturday 11 May 2019
Sixty-year-old widow, Aroha Mataira, is the main character. She lives with her two children, Queenie and Johnny, at Te Parenga, their ancestral land which was sold and turned into a commercial orchard. All that remains of the native bush is one Pohutukawa tree on the last plot of land owned by the all-but departed tribeDespite whanau urging her to give up this last connection to her ancestral land to join them elsewhere, Aroha is just as determined to stay in Te Parenga.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Fables
Saturday 27 April 2019
West Auckland Folk Band Fables produce a gentle and heartfelt indie-folk sound which could warm even the coldest of hearts. The small ensemble has shared the stage with modern folk notables Great North, The Remarkables, Chris Preistley and Nadia Reid,with performances at the home of Auckland folk, The Bunker. Jess Bailey’s velveteen voice intermingled with a collection of strings and other harmonies should find you quite at home. Tickets $20.00
St Stephens church
Mockingbird
Wednesday 6 March 2019
An original play about family secrets, mental health, four generations of women and the unequivocal love they have for their children. Tickets $25.00 - Special Deal - Book Mockingbird tickets and get 20% off the Gig in the Garden at 610 Kohunga Road - on 03 March!!!!
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Frank Burkitt Band-Garden Entry Only
Sunday 3 March 2019
Note if weather requires a venue move your ticket will not give you access to the alternative venue. You will be refunded in full. Frank Burkitt formed the band with backing vocalist Kara Filbey, blues and country mandolin player Cameron Burnell and jazz double bassist James Geluk. Their mix of styles and genres gives their show unique variety. They will be joined by one man horn section Oscar Laven. Book The Gig in the garden and get 20% discount off Mockinbird!!
Gig in the Garden
Seven Deadly Stunts
Wednesday 21 November 2018
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up as Rollicking Entertainment turns up the heat to celebrate seven of the most notorious stunts in carny folklore. A nail-biting and naughty experience brings you the freakiest side of circus, magic and sideshow. Chainsaw juggling, walking on broken glass and other famous feats are performed . Come laugh, gasp and cheer - the carnival is in town! Exciting, terrifying and genuinely funny. Tickets $25.00
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Adam McGrath
Thursday 4 October 2018
Adam McGrath, is a folk singer stationed where ever he lands. The lead singer and songwriter for the almost mythic mongrel country band The Eastern, he takes to his solo adventures with the same intensity, passion, love and humour that has given his day band a firm foothold into the hearts and minds of New Zealand. Described by Radio New Zealand and the NZ Herald as a "National Treasure". Tickets $25.00
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Menopause Made Me Do It
Between Thursday 13 September 2018 and Saturday 22 September 2018
“Five menopausal women are lured to a motel by a kidnapper who has seriously underestimated his prey. A weekend of madness and mayhem ensues as the women seize control and marry the kidnapper off to one of their group. It’s hilarious... poignant... utterly mad.”
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Seed - How far would you go to get a life?
Wednesday 4 July 2018
IVF isn’t fool proof and IUDs aren’t failsafe. iPhones come with ovulation apps and being married doesn’t mean you have to breed. Seed follows four women as they try to get pregnant, stay pregnant or become un-pregnant - the dilemmas of modern reproduction - A truly contemporary, hilarious and smart look at modern reproduction and female friendship, Seed is a drama that’ll make you laugh, or it’s a comedy that’ll make you cry. Tickets only $20.00
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Hopetoun Brown
Friday 1 June 2018
2017 Taite Prize finalists Hopetoun Brown are joined on stage by arguably the country's finest trumpet player Finn Scholes. Throughout two sets they'll swap trumpets, saxophones, bass clarinets, tubas and an assortment of keyboard instruments that move though the blues, soul, funk, jazz and more.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Blackboard Concert
Friday 18 May 2018
BLACKBOARD CONCERT / OPEN MIKE NIGHT
Friday18th May @ 6.30pm
Individuals $5, Family $10
BYO refreshments and a plate of food to share... AND your instrument, singing voice and talent :-)
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
Olive Copperbottom – A Dickensian Tale of Love, Gin and Pox
Sunday 6 May 2018
Following on from her hugely successful Promise and Promiscuity tour with Arts On Tour in 2014, Penny Ashton swaps Jane Austen for Charles Dickens and brings orphaned hero Olive and a squalid gaggle of hilarious Victorians, to crusty life. A rollicking romantic musical journey through fifteen gin-soaked characters told with song, dance and questionable personal hygiene. It’s Oliver! meets Blackadder with a saucy feminine twist. Tickets only $20.00
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
OSPA x10
Between Friday 20 April 2018 and Saturday 21 April 2018
Put the dates in your diary for OSPA x10, a celebration variety concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of our fabulous theatre. MC’d by Jess Lorimer and Mike Morrow, the programme will include excerpts from plays performed over the past decade as well as music, poetry and short films.
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts
