Sense and Sensibility
Sisters, suitors and swooning! A uniquely theatrical spin on the iconic novel.
“Not a hatchet job, not a hagiography.”
This hilarious play was a talk-of-the-town sensation in 2026 and it’s back for another run. Award-winning writer Fiona Samuel MNZM retraces the remarkable trajectory of a farm girl from the Waikato who became New Zealand’s first elected female Prime Minister and a global voice through her work at the United Nations and beyond.
Helen the Elder is played by the luminous Jennifer Ward-Lealand CNZM and Helen the Younger by the brilliant Lauren Gibson. The two Helens deconstruct her public image and private self, satirically framed through the lens of six key outfits. Helen Clark faced intense and constant criticism of her looks and choice of clothes.
Directed by Sophie Roberts, this play is an interrogation of social expectations, private compromises and public masks. Ultimately, we are asked, if Helen Clark broke through the glass ceiling to lead the way for women in power, where are we now?
Until 2 Feb 2027, tickets to this show can only be purchased as part of a 2027 Subscription.
“My hard-core National-voting plus-one loved it and, dare I say, was inspired by it...”
Watch the interview with Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand and Lauren Gibson
Event and Ticketing Details
Duration:
1 hour 20 minutes, no interval.
Advisory
Contains haze and strong language. Definitely not authorised by Helen Clark.
Accessible performances
NZSL-interpreted – Fri 28 May 7:00pm
Interpreted by Platform Interpreting NZ, working with the cast, crew and a Deaf community advisor.
Book via our d/Deaf friendly form
Relaxed – Sat 29 May 2:00pm
Comfortable and inclusive, especially for autistic and neurodivergent audiences.
Audio-described – Sun 30 May 4:00pm
Preceded by a Touch Tour at 2:30pm. Audio described by Audio Described Aotearoa.
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