Alison Quigan: Kiwi Actress and director on directing ‘End of Summer Time’

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

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9d ago 11:57

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Queen of the stage, Alison Quigan is a mainstay in New Zealand’s performing arts scene.

You may know her best as Yvonne Jeffries, Shortland Street’s maternally-minded receptionist, or from one of her many theatre productions, as Quigan has spent her career creating stories that portray the real lives of Kiwis on stage.

She’s back to her theatrical ways, directing a brand-new production by Sir Roger Hall, ‘End of Summer Time’.

It’s the story of retired cow cocky Dickie Hart and his wife Glenda’s move to Auckland, a decision Dickie thinks is the beginning of the end.

Quigan told Jack Tame that Hall’s a great observationist, and it’s his understanding of his audience that allows them to connect with his works.

“He’s been telling the story of this particular generation for 50 years, and he is very loyal to them and they are very loyal to him.”

She started directing his plays in the late 80’s when she took over Centre Point Theatre in Palmerston North, but as a solo show, this one is a little bit more complex than normal.

“You’re actually trying to create all the other characters with the actor, and obviously with the writer, and so it’s a case of making sure that he’s, he can get from A to B to C to D, to all of that, so he can get through to the end of the play,” Quigan explained.

“So there’s the practical part of understanding how a solo show works, but also reassuring and just loving what this other person can bring to the play.”

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