Community, innovation, and resilience
When asked about the secret behind the success of Showbiz Christchurch’s productions, General Manager Craig Ogilvie passionately replies, “He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! It’s the people, it’s the people, it’s the people.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of Showbiz Christchurch, a cornerstone of New Zealand’s theatre scene since its humble beginnings in 1938 as the Christchurch Operatic Society.
From its first production, The Belle of New York, Showbiz has evolved into a leading musical theatre production house. Their recent season of Kinky Boots at the Isaac Theatre Royal highlighted the core components of their success: talented volunteers, world-class theatre practitioners, and a supportive community. Ogilvie credits the dedication and talent of these groups for their world-class productions.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. Without them, we wouldn’t exist, and nor would our productions!”
Showbiz runs open auditions, encouraging community members to showcase their talents on stage and engage those interested in technical aspects backstage.
Craig estimates that around 25,000 volunteer hours go into every major production.
The calibre of Showbiz’s productions is elevated by the presence of internationally renowned musical theatre creatives based in Christchurch. The proximity of such talent allows for much of the set, costume, and prop construction to happen locally. Christchurch often premieres new productions in New Zealand before they tour other cities, like Showbiz’s production of Matilda.
The support from the community extends beyond volunteers to include essential financial backing. Showbiz relies on a mix of funders and sponsors, such as Christchurch City Council and Mainland Foundation, recognising the benefits to participants and the wider community. Law firm Saunders and Co has been a long-standing season sponsor, understanding the arts’ importance in enriching the community. “Theatre feeds the soul,” Craig states, highlighting the significant role of patrons who repeatedly attend Showbiz’s blockbuster shows. The anticipation for their upcoming production of Mamma Mia! is a testament to their enduring appeal, with record-setting ticket sales for the September shows.
In the post-Covid era, Showbiz Christchurch has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. The triumphant return of Matilda, followed by groundbreaking productions like That Bloody Woman and My Fair Lady, underscored their adaptability and commitment to high-quality theatre. This year’s success with Kinky Boots reaffirmed their ability to captivate diverse audiences.
Showbiz’s initiatives extend beyond major productions to include workshops and events that nurture local talent. Programmes like the non-audition choir Showstoppers and the quarterly Way Off Broadway concert provide inclusive platforms for performers of all levels. Additionally, rehearsals are underway for Fiddler on the Roof Senior, a groundbreaking Broadway senior production showcasing their dedication to exploring new frontiers in theatre.
As Craig reflects, “The future for the arts in Christchurch is incredibly bright. We are thrilled to be part of this vibrant cultural resurgence.” Showbiz Christchurch’s legacy of resilience, innovation, and community spirit shines brightly as they continue to create, inspire, and entertain. Their dedication to fostering local talent ensures that each production is not just a show but a celebration of the people who make it possible.