2007: The Pillowman

Maidment Theatre / 23 August - 15 September

"I took my dad along for The Pillowman for his Father's Day treat and we both left with a feeling of intrigue. We discussed this play the whole way home, so it is really quite the conversation piece. We both totally enjoyed the performance."
Donna Warrington from North Shore

RECOMMENDED FOR PERSONS 16 YEARS AND OLDER: LANGUAGE AND CONTENT MAY OFFEND.

Auckland Theatre Company presents the New Zealand premiere of Martin McDonagh’s viciously funny new play, The Pillowman.

In an unspecified (but eerily familiar) totalitarian state, short-story writer Katurian Katurian creates pitch black fairy tales that make the Brothers Grimm look like Enid Blyton.

When these start to be enacted in real life he and his disturbed brother are hauled in by two sardonic secret policemen who resort to increasingly absurd and hilariously unconventional methods of interrogation to uncover the truth.

Real life is not as black and white, good and bad as it is in fairytales. As the story unfolds the audience is taken on a frightening and yet wildly funny journey into the worlds of storytelling.

With an astonishing blend of horror and comedy The Pillowman won the 2005 Olivier Award for Best New Play and has mesmerised audiences in London and New York.

Play duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including a 15 minute interval.

"To work with a first-rate cast and crew on a masterful new script that lures you to places you have never been, so as to experience events you will never forget is a great privilege."
Simon Prast, The Pillowman Director and Auckland Theatre Company Founding Director

“Underneath the grisly acts of horror The Pillowman is about the power of storytelling and the thrilling narrative potential of theatre itself. It also explores artistic censorship and how the pursuit of justice can result in actions that are as horrific as the crime."
Colin McColl, Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director

“A spellbinding stunner of a play, appallingly funny and endlessly quotable.”
The New York Times

“The darkest moments are as unsentimental as the best fairy tale, making jokes about the unthinkable.”
The Sunday Times

“Every now and then you encounter something you know you will never forget as long as you live…”
Daily Mirror