Denniston Rose wins Theatrefest

• Published date: 10 August 2022

Westport's On Stage Productions won the event and the right to proceed to the regional contest

They presented a play written by local woman Ellen Curnow's 'Denniston Rose,' which was based on Jenni Pattrick's novel of the same name. Set amidst Denniston miners' strikes, it follows the story of Rose, a vulnerable young girl who experiences the harshness of life.

Westport's On Stage Productions artistic director Pat Barr MacLeod said she was proud of all those who had taken on the challenge to join the one-act play.

Ms Curnow, who is taking over Mrs Barr-MacLeod's leadership role when she returns to the United States in August, said the cast had worked very hard.

"I'm proud of our production," she said.

The Westport actors were aged from 16 to "a couple of gold card holders!" The play made it through to the regional event last year where it was named the 'best technical production'.

Ms Curnow went on to win the Olga E Harding Playwriting Award for best new, New Zealand play.

Reefton Players presented 'Alright on the Night', directed by film extraordinaire Alun Bollinger. It is described as a 'play within a play,' about a dress rehearsal that does not go according to plan. Seven cast members were joined by three stage crew. Reefton won the best set design for the...