About.
Company
Auckland Theatre Company
Venue
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Duration
2 hours, including interval
Advisory
Contains strong language, and sexual references.
Back by popular demand and rave reviews, Grand Horizons returns to the stage with an encore season 17-29 May.
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Beloved acting icons Annie Whittle and Roy Billing return to the stage as Nancy and Bill in the New Zealand premiere of Bess Wohl’s Tony-nominated uproarious comedy, Grand Horizons.
Nancy and Bill are 50 years into the picture-perfect marriage. Now, as they settle into the beige walls of their new ‘lifestyle village’, Nancy announces she wants out. And if her husband Bill is shocked, he doesn’t show it.
For their two grown-up sons, it’s a devastating betrayal. Their long-held beliefs about love, family and security are shaken, sending them back to foot-stomping, tantrum-throwing toddler hood.
Crisply observed and gloriously funny, directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand, this Broadway hit will kick off our 2022 programme in sparkling style.
Grand Horizons is a heart-warming and cathartic unravelling of a family unit, which is trying to pursue happiness and fulfilment, when each member is at a different stage of life.
“To start our new year we present a laugh-out-loud good time at the theatre: an affectionate, intergenerational comedy led by two acting legends in Roy Billing and Annie Whittle.” – Jonathan Bielski
Proudly presented with the support of
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Show Programme
Content Guide
Contains strong language, and sexual references. Learn more.
Special Events
Backstage Story (Cancelled)
Monday 24 Jan 6:00pm
Discover the world behind the curtain at Backstage Story, a behind-the-scenes presentation with the director, designers and cast. Backstage Story is free to attend at our studios at 487 Dominion Road.
Due to the developing Omicron situation, we are taking extra precautions to protect the health of our artists and crew. We will be keeping our rehearsal studio closed to the public and will unfortunately cancel Backstage Story.
Rehearsals for Grand Horizons will continue in preparation for the season beginning on Tuesday 8 February.
Find Out MoreSunday Forum (Cancelled)
Sunday 13 Feb 3:00pm
Join us in the auditorium before the 4pm performance, to hear from a special guest speaker to enrich your experience of the show. This is your chance to dive deeper into the world of theatre, gaining new insights into the work.
Due to the developing Omicron situation, we are taking extra precautions to protect the health of our artists and crew. Sunday Forum is unfortunately cancelled.
Find Out MoreYouth Night (Cancelled)
Tuesday 15 Feb 7:00pm
Youth Night is a dedicated performance for young people, connecting youth to the transformational magic of theatre. Get $20 Youth Night tickets at checkout or from the Box Office directly.
Due to the developing Omicron situation, we are taking extra precautions to protect the health of our artists and crew. Youth Night is unfortunately cancelled.
Find Out MoreAccessible Performances
Audio-Described & Touch Tour
Sat 26 Feb 2:00pm
Audio-described performances are open to all and include a live audio commentary relayed to blind and low-vision patrons in the audience via an earpiece. Patrons with accessibility tickets can also attend a touch-tour 90 minutes before the performance.
NZSL-Interpreted
Sun 5 March 2:00pm
NZSL-interpreted performances are open to all and feature an interpreter on stage to interpret the show for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons in the audience.
Reviews
"A simple but poignant story full of laughs and heart, Grand Horizons is the perfect escape... [Roy] Billing and [Annie] Whittle are among some of our best performers and they are on fire here."
— Ethan Sills, New Zealand Herald
"American playwright Bess Wohl's cleverly crafted script is skillfully directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand...The play is full of contrasts and contradictions which adds colour and unpredictability leaving the audience fully immersed and not knowing what will happen next."
"What holds the play together is the deft direction of Jennifer Ward-Lealand who has put together a strong cast, and developed well defined characters to create this particular family."
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