That Bloody Woman
From humble beginnings in a Spiegeltent in Christchurch, THAT BLOODY WOMAN has gone on to become a nationwide sellout smash. “Like Hamilton did for the United States of America, THAT BLOODY WOMAN is the musical New Zealand didn’t know it needed.”
The show is framed as a ‘rock gig’, for Kate and her ‘gang’ to tell us her story – the story of Aotearoa New Zealand’s suffrage movement and, to give us an almighty kick up the ass more than 130 years later. Check out your ten-dollar note peeps!
Inspirational, raucous and electric, THAT BLOODY WOMAN is “an easy cause to sign up for.” With an eclectic and catchy score, the chance for audience interaction, and juicy roles for women, this show is sure to connect. Men, you are not sidelined…….
It may be a Kiwi story, but it’s also a universal one – a story of how one woman started a movement, which changed the world. This is more than history, this is her-story.
Kate gathered 30,000 signatures for a parliamentary bill, making New Zealand the first country in the world, to grant women the vote!
Be part of a new-age production – a righteous and riotous celebration, where corsets meet rock meets punk meets grunge.
Show Dates: 13/11/2025 - 29/11/2025
Directors: Bryan Aitken
Steve Campbell
Venue: Blenheim Musical Theatre
Musical Director: Frankie Wytenburg
CHARACTERS
Kate Sheppard English born, Lead Suffragist. Strong, personable. Dramatic confidence
& comfortable with audience interaction. Married to Walter, but in love with William. A rock star with a Rock/Musical voice.
Ada Wells Kate’s friend and Suffragist. Rock/Indie/Musical voice.
Mary Leavitt American. An around-the-world Alcohol Temperance Leader, & Suffragist. Rock/Gospel/Musical voice.
Richard Seddon ‘King Dick’, Prime Minister of the time & Kate’s nemesis. Physically imposing. Rock/Soul/Baritone, who can also Groove & Rap.
Jennie Lovell-Smith Suffragist. Caught between a rock and a hard place. Indie/Musical voice.
William Lovell-Smith A Printer. Married, but in love with Kate. Rock with Falsetto, & Ensemble.
Sir John Hall Former Prime Minister. Supporter of women’s suffrage. All-round Musical Theatre voice, & Ensemble.
John Balance Former Prime Minister. Irish born. Supporter of urban workers and farmers. All-round Musical Theatre voice, & Ensemble.
Dynamic Ensemble & Cameo’s
Walter Sheppard Kate’ s Husband, an Accountant. Kate’s father.
Kate’s Scottish uncle, a Preacher. A Vicar. Suffragettes.
Audition information:
Song: Auditionees are asked to prepare a rock/upbeat/gospel, song of their choice, which shows off their range, vocal attack, technical skill and musicality. They may bring a backing track, their own accompanist, or use the BMT pianist provided.
Dialogue: Scenes to be chosen by Steve. Combinations that show the depth/breadth of their abilities etc. ie: duologues & narrative.
Warning: Get prepared for some light-hearted profanities, strong language (delivered in good taste of course) and the odd ‘steamy’ scenes delivered in a way to arouse and intrigue.
August 7th - 7.30pm: Information night
August 18th & 19th - 7.30pm: Auditions
August 20th - 7.30pm: Recalls
August 27th - 7.00pm: Rehearsals Commence
November 13th - 29th: Season
Register your audition - chris.holdaway@bmt.net.nz