Storming Theatre makes its first foray into the Queenstown theatre scene with a pledge to offer audiences more left-of-centre fare, beginning with the South Island premiere of the acclaimed 1993 comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile during the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Comedian and actor-turned-playwright Steve Martin imagines Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meeting at a bar called the Lapin Agile (Nimble Rabbit) in Montmartre, Paris, in 1904, on the eve of their greatest accomplishments in science and art.
The theatrical group will also stage their play in a novel venue - inside the multimillion-dollar international departure lounge at Queenstown Airport, which opened last August.
Welcome receptions, evening functions and music concerts have been held at the airport, but never theatre.
There will be seating for up to 200 people, car parking will be free of charge and a cash bar will be open. Security sweeps will be made after each performance.
''The airport's been really generous and opened their doors to us,'' co-producer and actress Victoria Keating said.
''It's an amazing venue - it's got the best acoustics in Queenstown and it's going to be interesting how it transforms.''
Storming Theatre was founded by Sarah Bogle and its members include the cast, Greg Dorn, Sam Farr, Victoria Keating, Mike Legge, David Oakley, James Stephenson and Tessa Taft, plus Jo Blick, Andrew Edgar and Lisa Nilsen.
''It's quite collaborative. Everyone helps with lines, the sets and has input, although Sarah is the director and driving force,'' Keating said.
''Sarah sees a gap in the market and wants to fill it. It's self-funded, which lets us take risks a little bit more.''
• Storming Theatre presents Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Queenstown Airport, on June 26-29, 8pm, doors open at 7.15pm. Tickets $20 cash from i-Site Queenstown Visitor Centre, or from Eventfinder plus booking fee online.
Coming attractions
Wakatipu High School: Dream Girls, June 11 to 14.
Storming Theatre: Picasso at the Lapin Agile, June 26 to 29.
Whirlwind Productions: Club 27, August 8 to 10.
Showbiz Queenstown: La Cage aux Folles, September 1 to 7.
Remarkable Theatre: Calendar Girls, September 12 to 14.
Arrow Entertainers: To be confirmed, during the 2014 Arrowtown Autumn Festival.
