Programme – Pip

Director’s Note – Tanya Piejus

Pip: The Musical began life in the late 1990’s as a passion project for long-time Wellington Repertory member John Golder. A devoted Dickens fan, Great Expectations was his favourite book. On and off, he spent 10 years adapting it for the stage and writing lyrics for songs. Sadly, John died in 2014 after finishing his draft of Pip and having it reviewed by Playmarket. John’s wife, Alison, handed John’s precious pile of paper to me, the electronic version long since having disappeared into cyberspace – knowing I was an editor by trade. I lost the script for several years (long story), found it, decided to develop it further, and then ran into Talia on Courtenay Place who was keen to help. ‘Do you know any composers?’ I asked. Indeed she did, and the uber-talented Katie came on board to write the music, soon joined by Phoebe for orchestration and later Vickie and Cam.

Two years of creative collaboration took place, and I locked in a slot for production at the Gryphon in 2023. Saar came on board as Musical Director – but was not available for November 2023. Bumping the show a year allowed us to get all the final pieces in place. Alison passed away at the age of 100, not having seen her husband’s project come to fruition, but knowing it was on its way with a talented team behind it. And here we are at last, on stage, after 15 weeks of rehearsals with our lovely cast and conscientious crew.

Pip has been a monumental effort by all involved. I’m still slightly stunned that our original musical is now a fully-fledged production in front of an audience.

This world premiere production of Pip is dedicated to John and Alison without whom it simply would never have existed. We hope it meets your great expectations.

Cast

Orchestra

Crew

President’s Note

I have been looking forward to Pip for ages, and now it is finally time for it to hit the Gryphon! Hoorah! (as a Dickens character might say). When I was growing up, Dickens was always part of the Christmas season, thanks largely to several classic screen versions of A Christmas Carol on TV or at the movies (even The Muppets once got involved).

This production of Pip, a play with music taken from the novel Great Expectations, is our own contribution to this great contribution. Music, drama, pathos, comedy — there really is something for everyone here. Take the family, get some friends together, or just come by yourself. Any way you will surely be entertained by the fine work that Tanya, Saar and their talented cast, troupe and crew have done.

It is of course an especially memorable show for Wellington Repertory, as we close our 98^th year. The process of writing Pip began with longtime member, the late John Golder, with his legacy now complete on a Wellington stage. Our thanks to John, the late Alison Golder and the Golder family for supporting this immense project.

Paul Stone

Thanks to our Supporters

Thanks to Ideal Electrical for the use of their carpark. For support of our wardrobe, thanks to Victoria Nelson, Totally Frocked (Lower Hutt) and Creative Show Off Costume Hire (Thorndon). We also appreciate support with props from Stagecraft Theatre, KAT Theatre, Hutt City Musical Theatre and KAHA Theatre.

We also really appreciate the help from Theo Nettleton, Jacob Cannell (for the fireplace), Mat Logan, Colin Brown (for some tech support) and Trust Porirua City Brass (drum shields). WRT appreciates the support of Whitehaven Wines (supplied by Regional Wines & Spirits).

Coming up in 2025!

We are SO looking forward to our season in 2025! You can already book tickets online for all 2025 shows, including a great season pass deal – all of our non-children’s shows for $100! Book at http://www.wellingtonrepertory.org.nz.

PLUS – look out for Red Riding Hood and Friends, playing from July 8^th-13^th.