Father, grandfather and New Zealand's most popular playwright Roger Hall, has joined forces with his daughter Pip Hall for the first time to write Who Needs Sleep Anyway? opening at SkyCity Theatre on June 5.

Look back and laugh at the trials, tribulations and joys of parenthood New Zealand style.

With Nana wrapped around his little finger Baby P (that's P for Plunket) takes his parents on a roller coaster rider through the first five years of
life - and 100 years of colourful kiwi history.Father, grandfather and New Zealand's most popular playwright Roger Hall, has joined forces with his daughter Pip Hall for the first time to write Who Needs Sleep Anyway? opening at SkyCity Theatre on June 5.

Look back and laugh at the trials, tribulations and joys of parenthood New Zealand style.

With Nana wrapped around his little finger Baby P (that's P for Plunket) takes his parents on a roller coaster rider through the first five years of
life - and 100 years of colourful kiwi history.From ante-natal classes to anti-immunisation campaigns Who Needs Sleep Anyway? is in turns hilarious, wonderful and emotional - rather like
parenthood really!

Last year Mark Hadlow had one foot in the grave in Roger Hall's hit comedy Who Wants To Be 100? This year, by the magic of theatre, he's back at the other end of life's journey starring as Baby "P".

Returning to the stage is Kate Louise Elliott. Best known to Auckland audiences for her recent performances in Mum's Choir and Who Wants To Be 100? Elliott is one of New Zealand's finest comic actors. She has appeared in Roger Hall plays in theatres throughout the country and is
relishing joining Hadlow as the Plunket Nurse recording Baby P's growth and dealing with his antics!

"Who Needs Sleep Anyway? continues Hall's long tradition of writing plays which New Zealander can relate to," says Auckland Theatre Company
Artistic Director (and father of one and a half year old), Colin McColl, "it touches the perils and pleasures on parenthood perfectly!"

Back in the Director's chair for this production, John Callen is thrilled to be working with such a hot team.

"I have New Zealand's best comic actors in Mark Hadlow and Kate Louise Elliott and the Hall's really have their fingers on the pulse, their observations of parenthood are very funny, it's a delightful show," says Callen.

Making their debuts with Auckland Theatre Company in Who Needs Sleep Anyway? as the startled and sleep deprived young parents are Johnny Bright and Sophie Henderson.

Changing costumes faster than a Plunket Nurse can change nappies will be Stephen Butterworth, Hera Dunleavy, Nicola Flynn and Adam Gardiner who play a host of colourful characters Baby P encounters in his first 5 years.

Who Needs Sleep Anyway? plays at SkyCity Theatre from June 5 until 28.

Bookings can be made at Ticketek 0800 842 538 or www.atc.co.nz

WHO NEEDS SLEEP ANYWAY?

Starring: Mark Hadlow, with Johnny Bright, Stephen Butterworth, Hera
Dunleavy, Kate-Louise Elliott, Nicola Flynn, Adam Gardiner and Sophie
Henderson,
Writer: Roger Hall and Pip Hall
Direction: John Callen
Designers: Andrew Malmo, Rachael Walker, Nic Smillie,

SKYCITY Theatre, June 5 - June 28
Tuesday - Wednesday 6.30pm, Thursday - Saturday 8.00pm
Matinee Saturday 21 June at 2.00pm
Sundays 4.00pm
Tickets: $25 - $54 (booking fees apply)

27/05/08