Schoolgirls secure red carpet line up as their winning script hits the stage

A star-studded cast including Hobbit actor Mark Hadlow and other stars of the small screen to support ChildFund New Zealand at its ‘Pens against Poverty’ Gala Premiere.

The creative writing of six Blenheim schoolgirls, teamed with a great cause, has convinced a collection of well-known actors and ‘VIPs’ to perform in a play they penned, to raise funds for ChildFund New Zealand in Auckland, early December.

Hobbit actor Mark Hadlow joins a stellar line up compelled to take part by the school students’ efforts, and ChildFund’s cause. Recognisable faces from Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, Sione’s Wedding and New Zealand theatre will be directed by respected actress and director, Alison Quigan in the production, which will also feature a few surprise cameos from television news.

The performance, titled Mary’s Christmas Yarn takes place at St Matthew-in-the-City on December 3rd and is a fundraiser for ChildFund New Zealand. Tickets are now on sale, although ChildFund CEO Paul Brown notes the 30-strong Blenheim contingent coming up to support the girls have got first dibs.

“This play is the result of a unique collaboration between storytellers, schools, scriptwriters and actors.  ‘Pens against Poverty’ is a writing initiative that has brought together a special bunch of New Zealanders who have collectively helped explain our Gifts that Grow initiative in a way that resonates with the New Zealand public.

“It began with well-known storytellers like Hilary Barry, Miriama Kamo and Jeremy Corbett who grew the story chapter by chapter, and has ended with six special schoolgirls who’ve transformed it into this winning script.  It’s no small feat, and we’re blown away by the passion of these students from Bohally Intermediate who will join us in the audience and on stage at the Premiere.”

Actor and script judge, Mark Hadlow says it was the creativity of the girls’ script and their passion at the first reading that convinced him and the other judges that the Blenheim students were worthy winners.

“I was immediately convinced that these girls had the drive and creativity to handle this project, and it’s a credit to them that they’ve had the confidence to see it through to this level of production.”

Bohally Intermediate teacher Rachael Moran says a large contingent from Blenheim have fundraised themselves to get everyone possible to Auckland to see the girls’ script in action. She puts her students’ success down to the enchantment and novelty her budding playwrights brought to the original story.

“The girls’ script tells the tale of poverty in the developing world in a uniquely Kiwi way, with a good smattering of humour. Writing the winning script was their main goal, but they’re beside themselves with excitement that some of their favourite Kiwis have agreed to act in the play also.”

Director Alison Quigan has worked tirelessly to bring the script to life on stage. “The girls have made my job easy with a heart-warming and compelling script. It’s been a fast turnaround but we wouldn’t have done it without the actors who’ve given up their time to support this event. That’s the kiwi way though isn’t it? Giving a hand up to people who need a helping hand.”

Tickets for the performance are available from Ticket Direct {www.ticketdirect.co.nz, or 0800 224 224}, with proceeds going to ChildFund New Zealand’s Christmas Gifts that Grow cause, donating sustainable gifts to families living in abject poverty in the developing world this Christmas.