Programme 1977 – Glide Time

NAPIER REPERTORY PRESENTS

Roger Hall’s

GLIDE TIME

FROM 15TH APRIL 1977

DIRECTED BY
Gillian Davies

Of Playwright and Play:

Roger Hall was a name not unknown prior to 1976. He was a prominent figure in the Wellington theatre world, and over the broad spectrum of New Zealand, north to south, he was recognised for his television scripts and some very quick satirical sketches, in a number of which he featured also as actor. However, it is unlikely that even the greatest admirers of his undoubted talent, nor probably Roger Hall, M.A., public servant, married, father of two, himself could have foretold the soaring flight of ‘Glide Time”. From a quiet start in Circa’s Jervois Quay theatre, it suddenly flashed to success and notwithstanding its consequential transfer to the capacious Wellington Opera House, the “fully booked” sign continued to be displayed. When the curtain rang down about 12,000 people had seen it. It was therefore with excitement that Napier repertory learned that it had secured amateur rights for this play just as the professional season concluded.

Sense of humour is not altogether an unknown quality, but in writing “Glide Time” Roger Hall displayed what is often sought by playwrights but infrequently achieved. A universal sense of humour. “Glide Time” does not rely on the embarrassed laughter of self recognition but on smiling wit and satire without sneers and it doesn’t stop there. His play is more than a collection of funny lines set in a real and identifiable context. His characters have been drawn with perception of human foibles and the forces and reactions that make us tick.

Although many years resident in New Zealand, Roger Hall is English by birth and early days. Perhaps it is this combination which has given him the objectivity to write for us a real New Zealand play and all without a mention of cow sheds, kumeras and kakas up the creek.

OFFICE STAFF

John   JOHN HOLMES
Jim   BRIAN RICHECOEUR
Hugh   BOB SHELDRAKE
Beryl   VAL SHAW
Michael   DAVID PIPE
Wally   ERIC HUNT
Boss   BILL DUKES

The action of the play takes place in the Stores Branch of a Government Department.

ACT 1.   MONDAY, AUGUST 24th:   8.05am to 9.50a.m.
ACT 2.   WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND:   9.50am to 12.35p.m.
ACT 3. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST:   12.35pm to 2.50pm
ACT 4.   FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH:   2.50pm to 4.35pm.
There will be an interval of 10 mins between Acts 2 & 3 and a short break between Acts 3 & 4.

DEPARTMENTAL HEADS

Stage and Technical Director
John Matthews

Set Construction
Peter Rodway

Publicity Manager
Alan Hall

Director of Artistic Design
Gwyn Ace

Business Manager
Gerald Leather

Front of House Manager
Terry Hamilton-Jenkins

PHOTOGRAPHY by courtesy of RALPH + LOWE

PRODUCTION STAFF:

A.S.M.   Peter Rodway
Production Secretary   Jan Davis
Lighting   John Matthews
Technician   Steven Bigg
Construction Team   David Johnstone
Eric Hunt
Nevin Dawson
Richard Naysmith
Set Painting   Gerald Leather
Len Hock
Dan Twigg
Roy Peach
Furnishings   Priscilla Peach
Neville Baker
Bill Corfield
Properties   Leigh Daly
Donna Kiff
Ursula Calson
Suzanne Matthews
Sound   John Holmes
Tony Daly
Telephone Installation   Peter Lewis

ADVERTISING
Poster Design and Artwork   Nicholas Hall
Programme   Gillian Davies
Signwriting   Oliver Christofferson
Photoboards   Michael Leslie

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of:
NOBEL LOWNDES (N.Z.) LTD.
TIMMS TYPEWRITTERS LTD.
LEOPARD BREWERY (N.Z.) LTD.
GRIFFINS (N.Z.) LTD.
NAPIER CAFETERIA
BOYDS SMALLGOODS LTD.
ROTHMANS TOBACCO CO. LTD.
METAL INDUSTRIES LTD.
QUALITY BAKERS (H.B.) LTD.
FARM PRODUCTS CO-OP (H.B.) LTD.

And to all those who have given so generously of their time and assistance.

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