23 Nov 2023

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Anthony Harper Summer Theatre is back this January for another season of rip-roaring entertainment at Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

The all-new comedy, The Odyssey, set in ancient Greece, brings to life the side-splitting action and misadventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he attempts to make his way home from the Trojan War – for an astounding ten years.

An adaption of Homer’s epic poem “Odyssey”, the play follows the mythological Greek hero, Odysseus, who masterminded the infamous Trojan Horse trick at the siege on Troy. But an ill-fated journey home for the king and his comrades becomes a relentless fight for survival against all kinds of obstacles and eccentric creatures.

The comedy is being staged by local theatre company Noosed Octopus, headed up by highly accomplished Christchurch director, producer and performer Dan Bain.

Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says it’s the company’s second Anthony Harper Summer Theatre show – the first being Around the World in 80 Days in 2021.

“We’re thrilled to have Noosed Octopus back with The Odyssey for our 2024 season. Under the expert hand of Dan Bain as script writer and director, it’s sure to be a wildly funny and action-packed outdoor theatre experience.

“There’ll be untimely deaths, meddling gods, magic, mayhem, romance, revenge, disguises and reveals for a two-hour whirlwind of hearty entertainment under the sky,” says Ms Blackmore.

“With the picturesque backdrop of the Botanic Gardens’ Weather Station Lawn, the open-air production is the perfect setting for a picnic with friends and whānau this summer.

“It’s free entry, but koha donations will be gratefully accepted by Noosed Octopus. All ages are welcome, although these shows are best enjoyed by ages 12 years and over.”

Shows will run at 6.30pm from Thursday 11 January to Sunday 28 January 2024, with weekend matinees starting at 2.30pm. See the full performance schedule for Anthony Harper Summer Theatre at What’s On.