'The Surprise Party' is a madcap take on politics, MMP and the political relationships that dominate New Zealand today; a high-energy comedy about a bumbling political party hoping to survive another election. Originally written by Dave Armstrong in 2020, he has updated his script for this production, to be staged by Tadpole Productions just before another New Zealand election.

An award-winning New Zealand playwright, Dave Armstrong has written for stage, radio and TV for over 30 years. His hits include 'Spin Doctors', 'Niu Sila', 'Seven Periods with Mister Grimsby' and 'Kings of the Gym' (performed by Tadpole in 2018). 
'The Surprise Party' is directed by former Auckland Theatre Company artistic director Colin McColl ONZM. Colin has had a long career in television, opera and theatre performance, production and direction, in New Zealand and internationally. His well-known cast includes Stephen Papps and Alison Quigan as Doug and Kerry, with Brayden Cresswell, Shauntelle Jones, Ben Porter and Chloe Thomsen.
With modern-day politics feeling more like a satire of itself, 'The Surprise Party' takes a swipe at idealistic, uncompromising and increasingly humour-resistant factions. The Popular Party (POPS) party, led by Doug, the figurehead, and Kerry, his 2IC, gather to watch the election results, with increasingly mixed feelings. In the current world climate, over-the-top political antics are sadly increasingly mainstream, but the play is a reminder that in this divided age we have more similarities than differences, regardless of our party preferences, and we are all only human. Enabling compromise is the only solution.
And we can – and should – always share a laugh.
'The Surprise Party' will be performed at The PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna from October 8- 18, with a preview performance on 7 October and five matinee performances during the season.

Bookings at The PumpHouse Theatre
www.pumphouse.co.nz  or phone (09) 489-8360.