North By Northwest, Auckland

Overview

Following successful Australian runs in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, a New Zealand stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's classic suspense film North By Northwest has arrived on the local stage from the Auckland Theatre Company.

Originally mounted by Melbourne Theatre Company and also staged in Toronto and the UK, this theatre version of the famous movie is written by MTC's Carolyn Burns and helmed by director and co-creator Simon Phillips — who returned home to Aotearoa to direct the new production at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.

For those who need a recap, protagonist Roger O' Thornhill is a savvy advertising exec who is kidnapped by gangsters who believe he's a man called George Kaplan. When Thornhill denies such allegations, the thugs relentlessly chase him across the country — and he meets a beautiful and mysterious blonde along the way.

Andi Crown

Starring Ryan O'Kane and Antonia Prebble in the roles immortalised by Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, the stage version of North By Northwest will deliver all of the thrills and spills of the classic film, with heightened suspense played out in live theatre. Yes, in true Hitchcock style, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat.

The best part? The ATC is running one of its beloved Pay What You Wish evenings, where the doors are thrown open to all and you can literally pay what you want. Tunes, drinks, art installations and a free photobooth will be provided, followed by a performance of the star-studded show.

North By Northwest hits the stage at the ASB Waterfront Theatre from Wednesday, October 26 – Saturday, November 19.

Andi Crown

Top images: Andi Crown