Social Animal

Akaroa Community Arts Council in partnership with Arts on Tour Trust is very excited to bring this wonderfully funny play to Akaroa.

Starring one of NZ’s premier award-winning actors Stephen Papps, Social Animal is that rare treat of a play – biting satire with plenty of good old laughs. This Nationwide hit brings the audience a rich menagerie of characters – human and canine alike.

The Plot

Come and meet famed TV actor extraordinaire Joe Quigley; just about to start filming the twelfth season of his hit TV drama Parks when a careless social media remark shatters his career, marriage and carefully curated public image.

Then a stray greyhound follows him home.

Can Quigley find room in his heart for an ill-disciplined animal with insecurity issues almost as big as his own?

Can the colourful community of dog walkers he meets help him rebuild what he’s broken – or will the glittering promise of one last shot at glory send him hurtling towards disaster?

“Priceless… wonderful. One out of the box; a winner.”
— John Smythe, Theatreview

“Well written, full of humorous insights and revelations. Glorious!”
— Cate Prestidge, Theatreview

About the Creators

Stephen Papps brings over 35 years of experience across stage, screen, and solo performances. A Best Actor winner at the NZ Film Awards (End of the Golden Weather), Papps recently appeared in Pike River.  For his solo show Blowing It (1999-2015) he received critical acclaim around the world and a nomination for best actor at the Chapman Tripp theatre awards. Social Animal marks his fourth self-written solo work.

Damon Andrews (Co-writer/Director) has over 30 years of experience in television and theatre. Andrews spent 14 years running the story table for Shortland Street and has co-written international hits such as Wheeler’s Luck.