Sheppard-ing stage talent

A grungy tale exploring New Zealand history steps onto stage with the Blenheim Musical Theatre’s newest series of ‘That Bloody Woman’.

Running at the BMT Theatre at 81 Lakings Road from November 13 to 29, ‘That Bloody Woman’ places the audience within Kate Sheppard’s fight for woman’s suffrage in the 1890’s, with a three course dinner theatre experience set to a rock opera musical soundtrack.

The show also has an eye on the future of Blenheim Musical Theatre, with the recruitment of Christchurch’s Court Theatre director Bryan Aitken who has been tasked with upskilling all involved.

“The story itself is a great one we premiered in Court Theatre”, says Bryan, “and while she’s on our 10 dollar note, nobody really seems to realise the story of Kate Sheppard.

“’That Bloody Woman’ is very interesting both visually and audially, with everyone tackling a range of classics but with a distinctive grungy and glam rock look and approach to a 130-year-old story.

“I’ve worked with BMT before, about a decade ago now, and with the group wanting to refresh the proverbial gene pool they got in touch, as they wanted me to do some tutoring working with a new director, musical director, choreographer, lighting and sound operators, and being able to progress their mentoring.

“The names and actions resonate, with not only former prime ministers but also well-known families of the time - it is a real slice of New Zealand history.

“Instead of a classic musical like ‘Les Miserables’, it’s a truly local story that has a modern treatment to it and speaks to young people while also reflecting on an internationally significant series of events.”

Bryan says he’s been excited by the progress already made by the cast and crew, and how they are taking to the ‘punk’ energy of the show.

“Having such a wide range, from 19 to 70-years-old, there’s a great mix of talent and gifts within … all pulling together for a lot of fun and it has been great. People are finding the act of swearing on stage quite fun and freeing, and I think a show with local history helps people explore what subtext there is in this tale and what arguments they see today.

“I’m just feeding in wherever I can or when I’m asked a question. An extension of the musical group and developing the knowhow is important to attract new people to actually be on stage or behind the scenes so when people go to BMT shows they are as engrossed in the tale as the people on stage are. Guests are in for a great ride aurally, musically, and character-wise, as it’s a lovely piece that brings different ideas of theatre all into one,” Bryan added.

R16. Get tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/that-bloody-woman2/blenheim/tickets