Dave Armstrong’s incisive, hilarious comedy epitomises the hopeless merry-go-round of politics that happens every election cycle

This October, Tadpole Productions presents The Surprise Party, a comedy by award winning playwright Dave Armstrong (Spin Doctors, Niu Sila, Westie) on at The Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna from October 8 –18.

As election fever escalates in New Zealand, The Surprise Party is a madcap take on politics, MMP and the political relationships that exist in New Zealand today. A high energy comedy about an incompetent political party hoping to survive another election, starring beloved actor, director and writer, Alison Quigan (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Madam) as Tracey alongside one of New Zealand’s most experienced actors, Stephen Papps (Pike River, Happiness, Crackhead) who plays Doug. The ensemble cast features actors Brayden Cresswell, Shauntelle Jones, Ben Porter and Chloe Thomsen.

Doug Morris (Stephen Papps) is the sole MP for the POP Party.  He only owes his popularity to the fact that his father was an All Black and his Mum was Miss New Zealand. When he and his bumbling party members gather for the Election night results, they’re in for some huge surprises!. “We’re stuck with a Transport Minister who can’t drive; a union bully bus driver as potential Foreign Minister and an ex-service station attendant who won’t use the internet running the economy.”

Former Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director Colin McColl ONZM. who boasts a long career in Television, Opera and Theatre performance and direction, locally and internationally, brings his extraordinary Directorial skills to the stage this October.

With modern day politics feeling more like a satire on itself, The Surprise Party takes a swipe at idealistic, uncompromising and increasingly humour-resistant factions. 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.