Returning with a beloved audience favourite, North Shore’s own children’s theatre company Tim Bray Theatre Company is set to bring Joy Cowley’s Mrs Wishy-Washy to life on stage once more.
The fantastically funny farmyard adventure will be playing at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna from 21 September – 12 October before heading to Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau from 15 – 18 October.
“Oh, lovely mud!” exclaim Mrs Wishy-Washy’s farm animals Cow, Duck, and Pig. While the animals just love getting mucky, Mrs Wishy-Washy is determined to keep them spotless for the Big Farm Fair.
Audiences will be treated to comical chaos as Mrs Wishy-Washy attempts to give her muddy animal buddies a good scrub. This tale teaches valuable lessons about determination, friendship and the consequences of one’s actions, while offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good, clean, laugh-out loud fun.
Tim Bray Theatre Company continues its love of New Zealand children’s book author Joy Cowley, following previous successful productions of her stories 'Greedy Cat' and 'Snake and Lizard' in its repertoire. The company first staged Mrs Wishy-Washy in 2013 and now brings it back to audiences for the first time since 2017.
“Joy Cowley is internationally recognised as a superlative writer for children. Her Mrs Wishy-Washy series has sold millions of copies around the world and the books have been a bedrock of early reading helping countless numbers of children to learn to read. In this show I have woven 15 of these iconic New Zealand books into one show. With songs by Christine White, a fabulous set design, as well as fun costumes, lighting and clever makeup – it will be a show that is funny and hugely entertaining for three to eight year olds,” says Tim Bray QSM.
Getting stuck in the mud are newcomers to Tim Bray Theatre Company Clare Adams and Max Cumberpatch, as well as returning stars Verity George, Rebecca Ansell, Kat Glass, Kazim Khan, and Grant Zent who all starred in the company’s production of 'The Great Piratical Rumbustification' earlier this year, and Carolyn Lamonde ('The Santa Claus Show ‘22', 'The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch').
The performance has been described as “a fine addition to children’s theatre repertoire and it does Joy Cowley proud on every level” by Lexie Matheson on Theatreview.
Tim Bray Theatre Company is committed to making its shows accessible and inclusive for everyone. For this season of 'Mrs Wishy-Washy', the company will have sensory relaxed, NZSL interpreted, and audio-described performances available for audiences to enjoy. TBTC also aims to provide almost 3,000 tickets through its Gift a Seat® programme for schools that apply for support, Make-A-Wish families, and to education groups needing an accessible performance.
Book now at timbray.org.nz to see Mrs Wishy-Washy live on stage at The PumpHouse Theatre from 21 September – 12 October.
