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The world’s first magic ‘supergroup’, New York’s leading cabaret performer, physical circus, a brand new musical theatre show based on suffragist Kate Sheppard, and a special installation for Cathedral Square are the first major shows to be announced for the 2015 Christchurch Arts Festival.

The world’s first magic ‘supergroup’, New York’s leading cabaret performer, physical circus, a brand new musical theatre show based on suffragist Kate Sheppard, and a special installation for Cathedral Square are the first major shows to be announced for the 2015 Christchurch Arts Festival.

The shows were announced tonight by festival director Craig Cooper who says they offer a taste of what’s to come for Christchurch Arts Festival 2015 which runs from 27 August to 20 September.

“We’re delighted to announce these four shows and a very special immersive installation for Cathedral Square,” Craig said. “We have a very exciting line-up for the 2015 Festival and we’re looking forward to announcing the full programme in June.”

Heading the ‘Hot Picks’ line-up is Band of Magicians, dubbed “the world’s first magic supergroup’ with four talented showmen combining their skills in a two-hour show packed with illusion, deception and astounding artistry.

“We’re very excited to have been able to be part of a four-centre New Zealand tour by Band of Magicians and we’re thrilled to present this magic spectacular in the Isaac Theatre Royal where every visit is a magical experience.”

Sensational New York cabaret darling Lady Rizo combines glamour and wit  in a fusion of comedy, burlesque and rock ‘n’ roll, while Australian physical theatre company Gravity & Other Myths has audiences questioning their belief in the laws of physics in A Simple Space.

Christchurch’s Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper found inspiration in suffragist Kate Sheppard for their brand new musical theatre experience That Bloody Woman. Blending pop, funk, hip-hop and hell-raising hymns in an imagined conversation with Richard ‘King Dick’ Seddon, this time-travelling conversational concert transforms Kate from a 2D head on the $10 note to an in-your-face firebrand.

And Craig Cooper also announced a unique immersive art experience in the heart of the city for the Festival. With major sponsorship from McConnell Dowell, Architects of Air’s Exxopolis Luminarium will transform Cathedral Square for 10 days during September, bringing a fantastical world of light and colour for people of all ages and mobilities to enjoy.

Christchurch Arts Festival 2015 also marks a shift back into the central city and Craig says he is very pleased to be able to create a Festival hub around The Arts Centre, using the refurbished Gym - named the Fletcher Construction Festival Studio; a Spiegeltent – the TVNZ Festival Club, and the Old Library; along with being back in the Isaac Theatre Royal.

Christchurch Arts Festival 2015 runs from 27 August to 20 September and includes 49 shows, performances and events – theatre, dance, music, classical music, comedy, opera, cabaret, circus, visual arts and ideas. The full programme will be announced on Thursday 11 June.

CHRISTCHURCH ARTS FESTIVAL 2015 HOT PICKS SHOW DETAILS
 
MAGIC/THEATRE: BAND OF MAGICIANS
A Soft Tread, James Galea and Barbara Meyer Production | USA / AUSTRALIA / UK
Featuring James Galea, Ben Hanlin, Brett Loudermilk and Adam Mada
16-19 September | Isaac Theatre Royal
Band of Magicians is also being presented in Dunedin, New Plymouth (as part of Taranaki International Arts Festival) and in Auckland
 
CABARET: LADY RIZO
USA
3-5 September | TVNZ Festival Club, The Arts Centre
 
WORLD PREMIERE
MUSICAL THEATRE: THAT BLOODY WOMAN
By Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper; Directed by Shane Bosher | NEW ZEALAND
28-30 August | TVNZ Festival Club, The Arts Centre
 
CIRCUS: A SIMPLE SPACE
Gravity & Other Myths | AUSTRALIA
9-13 September | Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College
 
SPECIAL EVENT: EXXOPOLIS LUMINARIUM
Architects of Air | UK
4-13 September | Cathedral Square

Media Release: Christchurch Arts Festival