All the world's a stage

From superyachts in the French Riviera to treading the boards in Blenheim, actor Jaemes Peter Churchward has returned to his roots.

Playing the character of Abbott in the upcoming The Wairau Affray, the award-winning actor grew up in Blenheim.

And when it came time to settle down after a life travelling the globe, Jaemes chose Marlborough as the place to be.

Born in England and having spent most of his life travelling the globe due to his father’s work, Jaemes had spent six years living in Blenheim in his teens.

“I was lucky enough to perform a number of shows directed by Duncan Whiting while I was at Marlborough Boys College,” he says.

“While it may not be the first place people think of for acting, Blenheim has a thriving theatre and film scene.”

Since arriving back in Blenheim two and a half years ago, Jaemes has worked in shows such as Nell Gwynn and The Private War of Corporal Cooper, for which he received an Excellence in Acting award at TheatreFest New Zealand 2019.

He has come a long way from his first role as Santa when he was 4-years old, taking on parts in feature film Northspur and the 2020 short film Epoch Ellipse, both written by Justin Eade.

So when Justin contacted Jaemes about his latest play, The Wairau Affray, he didn’t hesitate.

It’s been a very challenging role says Jaemes who has had to learn te reo.

“The Wairau Affrayis quite different to anything I’ve done before, particularly because it’s a true story,” he says.

“Abbott, the character I play, is very interesting and quite ahead of his time in his mentality and perception of the world around him.

He’s very welcoming and accepts people for who they are.”

“Having lived overseas for so long I’d never had the opportunity to learn any te reo before and I was extremely nervous,” he says.

“Once I worked out the technique that worked for me, and with the help of Ereatara Kokiri who has taught me the correct pronunciation, I’ve been slowly improving – it’s all down to repetition now.”

The Wairau Affray is being held at the ASB Theatre Marlborough, 24 to 26 June April at 7.30pm. Bookings are available from https://www.asbtheatre.com/events/Wairau-Affray/