PEOPLE - DIRECTORS

Simon Bennett / Director

Photo by: www.jaefrew.com

Simon Bennett has been working as a director and producer in theatre and television since graduating from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School in 1988.

Simon was co-founder of the professional revamp of Wellington’s Bats Theatre in 1989 where his productions included Ken Duncum’s BLUE SKY BOYS (with Tim Balme and Michael Galvin), TWELFTH NIGHT and HAMLET (with John Leigh in the title role).

In 1991 Simon moved to Auckland where his favourite productions included THE SHREW and 12TH NIGHT (Watershed Theatre), BLUE SKY BOYS and TITUS ANDRONICUS (Maidment Theatre). He also directed INTO THE WOODS and ASSASSINS for Watershed Theatre and Tim Balme’s solo show JIMMY COSTELLO.

In 1995 Simon moved into television work, firstly in directing, then producing SHORTLAND STREET. In 2000, Simon directed Ken Duncum’s FLIPSIDE for Circa Theatre, winning the Chapman Tripp award for Production of the Year. In the same year he established the New Zealand Actors' Company with Tim Balme, Robyn Malcolm and Katie Wolfe, directing touring productions of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Roger Hall’s A WAY OF LIFE and LEAH for the 2002 NZ Festival.

Since 2002, Simon has worked exclusively in television. Highlights include producing the children’s series MADDIGAN’S QUEST, directing MERCY PEAK and OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE, as well as producing and directing the upcoming tele-feature SPIES AND LIES.