Pop-up Globe Announces Special Music Event Starring Dave Dobbyn, Lucy Lawless, Shona Laing and More

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Pop-up Globe is the home of great things. Great battles, great spectacles, great love affairs, great comedy, great costumes and GREAT IDEAS.

Today at the world’s first full-scale temporary working replica of Shakespeare’s theatre, the second Globe, we’re delighted to reveal one more great thing.
In association with Actors Equity, we proudly announce a special one-time-only event The Actors’ Benevolent Fund Afternoon Gala at 4pm on Sunday, 2 April, featuring a stellar line-up of New Zealand entertainers including Dave Dobbyn, Lucy Lawless, Shona Laing, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and many others.

The Pop-up Globe company has gifted the venue to Actors’ Equity and all profits will go direct to the Actors Benevolent Fund – a not-for profit charity established in 2013 to provide assistance to professional performers who, due to injury, illness or disability are unable to work, either temporarily or in some cases for the rest of their lives.

The special 90-minute show, MCd by comedian Michele A’Court, will be in the format of a variety gala and feature our own royal family of entertainers. From Music and dance to poetry and comedy, this event will have something for everyone.

A highlight will see Music Hall of Famer Shona Laing sing her chart topper (I’m Glad) I’m Not a Kennedy for the very first time with the backing of a live strings section. The 1985 hit reached number two in NZ, and number 14 in the US rock charts – one of the most successful singles by a Kiwi artist ever.

A further highlight of the gala will be Xena: Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless singing The Hollies hit He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.

Confirmed artists and acts appearing during this performance are: Michele A’Court, Dave Dobbyn, Lucy Lawless, the Jubilation Choir, Shona Laing, Dynamotion, Stephen Lovatt, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, James Roque, Jesse Griffin, Tandi Wright, Fiona Samuel and The Black Quartet.

Pop-up Globe artistic director Dr Miles Gregory says he’s very proud to be supporting New Zealand actors through an initiative instigated by the theatre’s musical director Paul McLaney.

“Pop-up Globe is a theatre that puts actors and their relationship with our audience at the heart of our work. Yet away from the glamour and the cheers of the crowd, actors need our support even more,” says Dr Gregory. “I’m very proud that we are hosting this marvellous event, and it’s the perfect way for us all to support the wider acting community by enjoying an afternoon with some of NZ’s finest performers in a very special setting.”

The Benevolent Fund – administered by the Fundraising Committee and Board – provides financial and practical assistance to those in need. Medical expenses may be directly met by the fund, pharmaceutical bills settled, or essential items purchased. In some cases, there may also be provision available for the care of children or family dependants of those performers in need.

Veteran actor Sam Neill, a patron of the fund, has thrown his weight behind the gala event.

“The performing arts can be immensely rewarding, and often just as cruel,” he says. “Inevitably there are many casualties when sadly, later in life, many actors are left in poverty and distress… 

“In this fragile industry the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is a way to redress the balance and give back to those in need. The generosity of performers is legendary – very often they donate their skills and work for free. This is a mark of us growing up as an industry: performers looking after performers.”

Equity NZ president and performer Ward-Lealand says the New Zealand Actors’ Benevolent Fund was established to provide a support base for actors of all ages and stages who, due to injury, illness or disability, are unable to do their work – offering discreet and confidential support when it’s needed most.

“Actors’ Benevolent Funds are commonplace overseas and we are proud to be standing alongside these time-honoured institutions, many of which have been around for decades.

“Actors live precarious existences and there are many factors that add to the challenges of the profession. Your attendance at our Gala Afternoon – and enjoyment of some of the best of New Zealand’s performing arts community – will help us to build this fund and give back to the profession that gives so much to audiences around the country. We look forward to seeing you there!”

This is a one-time-only event so tickets are strictly limited and will sell-out quickly.
Bookings through www.popupglobe.co.nz & Eventfinda

Upper Gallery Seats: $80.00
Middle Gallery Seats: $100.00
Lower Gallery Seats: $60.00
Groundlings: $30.00

WHAT’S ON AT POP-UP GLOBE

As You Like It
If you liked Pop-up Globe’s Twelfth Night last year, you’ll love
As You Like It. The all-singing and dancing cast of fifteen bring
you two hours of non-stop hilarious romp. Set in 1642, and
with gorgeous costumes to match, Shakespeare’s zany comedy –
complete with human sheep, bloodthirsty wrestling, live music
and lyrical poetry – will have you crying with laughter.

Much Ado About Nothing
Enjoy Shakespeare’s original ‘rom-com’ directed by one of
New Zealand’s leading actresses, Miriama McDowell. Much
Ado About Nothing is a great night out bringing you singing,
dancing, and triumphant love as we invite you to an uproarious
house party at Pop-up Globe.

Henry V
Pop-up Globe’s Artistic Director Miles Gregory – director of
our 2016 smash-hit Twelfth Night – takes on Shakespeare’s
legendary and epic tribute to one of history’s greatest leaders,
Henry V. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a full ensemble
of fifteen men in full armour performing blood-thirsty battle
sequences wielding three-foot-long hand-and-a-half broad
swords, longbows, garottes, cross-bows, knives and a frying pan.

Othello
From the director of Pop-up Globe’s 2016 Romeo & Juliet
comes this powerful and dark production of Othello. See New
Zealand legend Te Kohe Tuhaka as Othello as he takes on
National Theatre of Norway actor Haakon Smestad as Iago in
Shakespeare’s legendary psychological thriller.

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