That Bloody Woman

That Bloody Woman, presented by Showbiz Christchurch, rocks its way into the Christ’s College Auditorium in Christchurch from July 7th - 15th, 2023.

The brainchild of Christchurch locals Luke di Somma and Gregory Cooper, That Bloody Woman came from humble beginnings in a tent in Christchurch and went on to become a nationwide sellout smash. “Like Hamilton for the US, That Bloody Woman is the musical New Zealand, and more importantly Christchurch, didn’t know it needed.”

Headed by a hugely experienced female creative team, including Christchurch’s own Mel Luckman as Director, That Bloody Woman is framed as a rock concert for Kate and her ‘gang’ to tell us her story, the story of how New Zealand became the first country to give women the vote. Kate’s battle for equality is brought to glorious life as That Bloody Woman takes on political adversary and the bearded bastion of nineteenth-century patriarchy, Richard 'King Dick' Seddon. In a kick-ass punk rock opera full of insight, intelligence and infectious tunes, the sparks fly as our most famous suffragist is transformed from a two dimensional head on our $10 note to an in-your-face feminist political firebrand raising hell.

Inspirational, raucous and electric, with an eclectic and catchy score, That Bloody Woman may be a Kiwi story, but it’s also a universal one - a story of how one person can start a movement to change the world.

This is more than history, this is HER story.

“…compassionate, smart, funny and gloriously entertaining.” – The Press

"... A badass feminist rock show not to miss.” – Stuff

The Cast

Kate Sheppard - Bryony Jamison

Ada Wells - Libby Fraser

Jenny Lovell-Smith - Roz Ellis

Richard Seddon - Tom Hart

Mary Leavitt - Jacqueline Doherty

Walter Sheppard - Chris Goodyear

William Lovell-Smith - Cameron Melville

Sir John Hall - Matt Hudson

John Ballance - Ricky Townsend

Ensemble

Keaton Eisenmenger
Sarah Kelly
Petrina Chisholm
Sophie Harris
Ella Berry
Helen Fahy
Katie Beer
Ella Wallace

Creative Team

Director - Melanie Luckman

Musical Director - Kimberley Wood

Choreographer - Hillary Moulder

Set Design - Rosie Gilmore

Lighting Design - Grant Robertson and Katrina Poharama

Costume Design - Sarah Buchanan

Wig and Hair Design - Sarah Buchanan

Make Up Design - Patrice Hammond

Sound Design - Meg MacAskill and Ben Rentoul

Set Co-ordinator and Mentor - David Bosworth