StageAntics presents BADJELLY THE WITCH

Adapted by Alannah O'Sullivan
From the book by Spike Milligan
Licensed by Playmarket NZ

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When siblings Tim and Rose set off into the forest to find their beloved cow Lucy, they tumble head-first into a world that is wildly ridiculous, slightly alarming, and completely bonkers.

Enter Badjelly — a cackling, boastful witch who claims she can turn children into sausages, boys into chop suey, and entire forests into her personal kingdom of doom.

(She can’t. Probably.)

Along the way, Tim and Rose meet a parade of peculiar creatures — talking worms, melancholy tree spirits, questionable goblins — and discover that courage, kindness, and a dash of imagination are far more powerful than any witch’s wobbly spell.

Full of anarchic humour, absurd storytelling, and heartwarming bravery, Badjelly the Witch is a delightfully chaotic adventure celebrating the glorious power of imagination.

You can expect outrageous characters through a professional Theatre for Young Audiences experience with full StageAntics sparkle including big laughs for little humans (and even bigger ones for grown-ups)

This is storytelling at its silliest and most sincere — a theatrical romp for tamariki, rangatahi, and anyone who still believes a forest might contain something extraordinary.

Come ready to laugh.
Come ready to imagine.
And whatever you do…

Don’t believe everything Badjelly tells you. 🧙‍♀️✨

WHEN: 9 - 11 April 2026 10:30am | 12:30pm | 6:30pm
WHERE: The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna
TICKETS: ON SALE SOON

Two Show in a Week Productions!!! Really???

We’re excited that following opening registrations for our 2026 Invercargill Show in a Week we have the numbers to open a second production for the same time.

This programme will see two productions
🎭 8–13year olds
🎭 14 - 18year olds

and are open to performers with any level of experience — from first-timers to seasoned performers. Everyone is welcome!

🎭 Programme Overview

Our Show in a Week runs intensively across a week with casting workshops held as part of the workshop process. The Week is fulltime - 9am - 5pm with three public performances at the end of the week.

FIND OUT ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW & REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/e9zJr86JEzVgrfGz8

StageAntics South Auckland is heading to the wild with MADAGASCAR JR
CALLING ALL PERFORMERS aged 8–18 years ready to unleash their inner lion, zebra, giraffe (or dancing lemur ).

This high-energy jungle adventure hits the stage at Due Drop Events Centre 25 - 28 June

All the deets + sign up here: https://forms.gle/6w9M5xqsfv8dDmpt8

Limited spaces — don’t lemur it too late!
Rehearsals swing into action early MARCH

It’s loud. It’s joyful. It’s VERY StageAntics

WELLINGTON – WE’RE COMING BACK!!!

You asked… you asked again…— and we heard you loud and clear!

After three smash-hit Summer Programmes in Pōneke StageAntics is returning this January with an EPIC Show-in-a-Week production of 13 JR!

Get ready for a week packed with:

Industry-recognised tutors

Musical theatre magic

Full-on StageAntics energy

AND three show-stopping public performances to finish it off!

Performers aged 11-18 years this is your moment. Your stage. Your summer. 19-24 January!

Spots are limited — join the cast now!

WHEN: 19 to 24 January 2026
WHERE: Wellington - venue TBC
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/dFja5nGzfMvsXXDk7

StageAntics is buzzing to bring our Show in a Week magic to Tapanui!

Disney's Dare to Dream JR showcases 40 incredible youth performers from Tapanui, Otago, and Southland. Perfect for the summer holidays, this vibrant 70-minute musical revue is the ultimate family outing—packed with energy, heart, and that unmistakable StageAntics spark.

Follow a group of bright-eyed trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio as they uncover their dreams and discover how imagination can inspire, uplift, and unite us all.

This high-energy production blends a century of Disney magic with songs appearing on stage for the first time, alongside beloved favourites—brought to life by an enthusiastic cast who create the entire show in just one magical week.

With its mix of contemporary hits, timeless classics, and joyful medleys, Dare to Dream JR promises a feel-good theatre experience for Disney fans of all ages. Celebrate the holidays with a heartwarming journey that reminds us that when you dare to dream, anything is possible.

WHEN: 16 and 17 January 2026
WHERE: West Otago Community Centre
TICKETS: COMING SOON

StageAntics and Kids4Drama are thrilled to work together on this fabulous holiday musical season of not one but two Music Theatre International-Australasia Broadway JR musicals.Join us as over 80 amazing Tamaki performers take to the stage at Westpoint Performing Arts for a limited season

Act One:  The Big One-Oh JR  
Charley Maplewood has never been one for parties – that would require friends, which he doesn’t have. Well, unless you count his monster friends, but they’re only imaginary. But now that he’s turning ten—the big one-oh—he decides to throw a birthday party for himself, complete with a “House of Horrors” theme. Of course, things don’t work out as he plans. Will Charley be able to pull it together before the big one-oh . . . becomes the big OH-NO!?

Act Two:  Disney's Newsies JR
Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right.

So Sieze the Day - book now!!!!!

WHEN: Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th October, 11am & 6.30pm
WHERE: Westpoint Performing Arts, Motions Road, Westmere, AKLD
TICKETS: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/oct/big-one-oh-and-newsies

Its time to secure your spot for our 2025 Auckland Central StageAntics & Kids 4 Drama Show in a Week!

Join us for the first week of the school holidays in Sept/Oct in central Auckland with an amazing team of industry professionals at the helm to bring together Disney’s Newsies JR and The Big One-Oh JR.

Register info https://forms.gle/5Rjvye8LGYQKxbMh8

StageAntics presents
The NZ premiere of Sister Act JR

This uplifting Broadway Junior show will have you raising your voice to the rafters!

Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Sister Act JR. is the feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), 

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act JR. will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act JR. is a reason to REJOICE!

WHEN: Friday 26th September 7pm & Saturday 27th September 2pm & 6pm
WHERE: Memorial Hall, Queenstown
TICKETS: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/sep/sister-act-jr

Its time to secure your spots for our 2025 Queenstown StageAntics Show in a Week!

Join us for the first week of the school holidays in September in Queenstown with an amazing team of industry professionals at the helm to bring together Sister Act JR.

Register now at https://forms.gle/1JDGPXqUpnMLonGZA

Takapuna StageAntics is thrilled to present 13 the Musical

13 is a hilarious, coming-of-age musical about discovering that "cool" is sometimes where we least expect it.

Three shows only
Thursday 5 June to Saturday 7 June 7pm
The Pumphouse

Tickets available at https://nz.patronbase.com/_PumpHouse/Productions/13MU/Performances

Its time to secure your spots for our 2025 Invercargill StageAntics Show in a Week!

Join us for the first week of the school holidays in April in Invercargill with an amazing team of industry professionals at the helm to bring together Disney’s High School Musical JR.

Register now at https://forms.gle/K3nHhjy2QcsECFuAA

2025 Summer Pilot Programme - DUNEDIN

Aged 11 - 18 years and love to perform? Sing, Dance, Act then you can REGISTER NOW to join our amazing team of industry recognised teaching artists including Emma Bishop - DIRECTOR, Sam Cleaver - Music Director, and Louise Wilkie and Josh Morris - Choreographers.
Participants will work fulltime workshopping a new Broadway JR musical yet to be released in New Zealand.

The week will not only develop your performance skills and knowledge of the industry but allow you to make lifelong friendships .... what a way to spend a week of your holidays.

Jump over to https://forms.gle/L1woL8BSHBhcNypT7 to find out more and to register - don't wait as the programme has a limited number of spaces available....

WHEN: 13 - 17 January, 2025
WHERE: Mayfair Theatre, DUNEDIN
REGISTER: https://forms.gle/L1woL8BSHBhcNypT7https://forms.gle/8NLqSuSYsYGHdaNW6

Its time to secure your spots for 2025 lessons with StageAntics now!

With a number of locations offering 1:1 or group lessons as well as the option for online lessons along with numerous performance opportunities, StageAntics is the one for you!

Register now at https://forms.gle/vNJnwySdqFZj3ykk6

Register now to join StageAntics for a in our inaugural Queenstown Show in a Week of FAME JR.

Registrations are open for all 10- 18 year olds - any level of ability or experience.

Requirements.

Must be available Monday 30 September - Saturday 5 October

Monday - Wednesday - 9am - 5pm - Venue to be confirmed Thursday 9am - 6pm Theatre - Pack in, onstage placement, tech rehearsals - Venue to be confirmed
Friday 9am - 9pm - Theatre - dress rehearsals and Show #1 Saturday Theatre - 11am call for 1pm Show #2 stay on and then 5pm Show #3 PACK OUT

FEE: $350 incl GST

Includes production and a show tshirt

Tickets to watch the production will be open to the public at an additional cost.

REGISTER AT: https://forms.gle/Q2R8jbt65RhjgzYv9

StageAntics presents The New Zealand Premiere of Dot & the Kangaroo JR

This family fun musical tells the story of young, rambunctious Dot who longs for an adventure, exploring everything the country has to offer.

When she finds herself lost and afraid in the darkening Australian bush, Dot befriends a wise mother Kangaroo who enlists the help of Australia's favourite bush creatures to help Dot find her way back home.

An hour long musical perfect for all ages...

WHEN: 2 & 3 August
WHERE: Buckland Hall, Pukekohe
TICKETS: https://events.humanitix.com/dot-and-the-kangaroo-jr

Register now to join StageAntics for a in our production of Legally Blonde JR!

Registrations are open for all 10- 18 year olds - any level of ability or experience.

This is a joint production with our Takapuna & Pukekohe production classes coming together in the October School Holidays.

Requirements.

Register and attend weekly Production class - either Takapuna Wednesday evening 630-830pm starting beginning of termo3. OR Pukekohe Thursday Evening 630-830pm starting 7 August

Monday 7th October - Thursday 10th October - 9am - 5pm - The Factory, 80 Onehunga Mall

Friday 9am - 9pm - The Factory - Show #1 & #2

Saturday The Factory - 12pm call for 2pm Show #3 stay on and then 6pm Show #4 - PACK OUT

FEE: $400 incl GST

Includes production and a show tshirt

Tickets to watch the production will be open to the public at an additional cost.

REGISTER NOW AT: https://forms.gle/d5opWtX5RKMRJpPF6

StageAntics Takapuna presents
INTO THE WOODS JR

Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.

The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.

WHEN: Wed 5 & Thurs 6 June, 7.00pm
WHERE: The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna
TICKETS: https://pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/into-the-woods-jr/

What better way to spend than a week with like-minded passionate “theatre-kids” from across the motu!

Our January Pilot Programmes will be in

Palmerston North - 15-19 Jan 2024 - (numbers dependent)

Nelson 22-26 Jan 2024

Open to all performers aged 11-18 years from across the motu.
Past programmes include 13JR, Disney’s Finding Nemo JR, 9 to 5 JR, Drowsy Chaperone JR.

Register now to make this happen! https://forms.gle/VD2jtFsuMEyY32Vj9

#stageaanticsrepresent #summerpilot24

Join StageAntics for our third Summer Pilot Programme in Wellington 23 - 27 January 2023.

- Spend the week workshopping a yet to be released Broadway JR Musical.

- Work with experienced industry recognised professional Music Theatre practitioners

- Meet and work with like-minded passionate theatre-kids

- Get a taste of working professionally- Perform in a showing of work to whanau and friends.

What a way to spend a week of your Summer break!

WHEN: Monday 23rd - Friday 27th January, 2023
WHERE: Monday - Thursday - Pump Studios Friday - St Andrews on the Terrace
REGISTER: https://forms.gle/GWssxQXUABw8dSBW8

Join StageAntics for our third Summer Pilot Programme in Christchurch 16 - 20 January 2023

- Spend the week workshopping a yet to be released Broadway JR Musical.
- Work with experienced industry recognised professional Music Theatre practitioners
- Meet and work with like-minded passionate theatre-kids
- Get a taste of working professionally
- Perform in a showing of work to whanau and friends.

What a way to spend a week of your Summer break!

WHEN: Monday 16th - Friday 20th January, 2023
WHERE: Showbiz CHCH

REGISTER: https://forms.gle/GWssxQXUABw8dSBW8

Join StageAntics as we create a Show in a Week!
The week is produced by the team at StageAntics who will guide, teach and develop the participants musical theatre skills.
The week will end with three performances of the production for friends and whanau from our community.

WHEN: Monday 9th January to Saturday 14th January
WHERE: Off Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura

REGISTER AT: https://forms.gle/2TfcxAFncq1ADgyK7

Let’s Perform is a three day workshop for High School students with a focus on developing performance skills in musical theatre presented by Auckland-based, STAGEANTICS and hosted by Showbiz Christchurch.

Participants don’t need to be a 'triple threat' to be part of this. The workshop is aimed at High school aged students, is suitable for all levels of ability and will challenge and develop youth from wherever they are at in their musical theatre journey.

Over three days students will work on singing, dancing and acting with a short showcase on day three for parents to attend. It will be intensive, but lots of fun!

Come and work with the STAGEANTICS team including Auckland based Artistic Director Emma Bishop, Music Director Mark Bradley along with our local guest Choreographer, Darcy Goodall this July school holidays at Showbiz Christchurch.

Numbers are limited to 25 for one exclusive workshop only.

WHEN: 18-20 July, 2022 9am - 430pm

WHERE: ShowBiz CHCH

REGISTER: https://www.showbiz.org.nz/lets-perform-musical-theatre-workshop-for-youth/

Camp Rock the Musical

StageAntics with the support of Creative Communities is thrilled to take you to summer camp at "Camp Rock", but watch out for the new neighboring camp "Camp Star".

Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical is a one act musical comedy based on Disney Channel's Camp Rock and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam featuring hit songs and characters from the two movies.

Directed by: Emma Bishop

Choreographed by: Quinn Annemans

Camp Rock is supported by the Creative Communities NZ

StageAntics presents

WHEN: Thursday 29 June - Saturday 2 July

WHERE: The Concert Chamber, Pukekohe Town Hall

TICKETS: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2022/jun/disneys-camp-rock-the-musical

Godspell JR.

StageAntics is thrilled to bring the NZ Premiere of this timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Broadway musical that inspired a generation to the Rose Centre, Belmont in June thanks to Music Theatre International - Australasia and the support of Devonport Takapuna Local Board

With a focus on storytelling, fun and performance Godspell JR. tells the tale of a community coming to terms with the ways of life.

A real family tale....

Directed by: Emma Bishop

Music Direction: Mark Bradley

Choreography: Josh Morris & Louise Wilkie

StageAntics presents

WHEN: Thursday 9 June - Saturday 11 June

WHERE: The Rose Centre, Belmont

TICKETS: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2022/jun/godspell-jr

After our successful StageAntics Summer Pilot in January in Dunedin we are returning to the lower South Island, this time with our three day programme.

StageAntics 3 day 'Let's Perform' Theatre Workshop for performers aged 10 - 18 years will extend their performance craft in a fun safe environment with industry recognised professional tutors.

We know we are living in uncertain times but this workshop has everyone's safety at the forefront and is a vaccinated event.
So, register now to ensure the workshop goes ahead!

WHEN: Tuesday 24th April - Thursday 28th April | 9am - 4.30pm DAILY
WHERE: Southern Institute - Esk St
REGISTER https://forms.gle/Mtnc955k8hjqZHn59

For further info email emma@stageantics.nz