"Warwick's latest home show is a little gem!
I was provoked, stimulated, and bought to the joy of laughter.
This performance invited me to see and experience the mundane in a new light.

-- Jenny Packard,
{Lifetime  patron of Warwick's theatrical work}

A MASTER COMES OF AGE
Having a Life and Being Idle reviewed by Fiona MacBride
Waiheke Gulf News, October 2009.

Warwick was at his most accomplished in his recent season of performance theatre at Artworks Theatre. Here we have a man who has a long lineage in theatre performance who is now at his most intense and honest. The show he delivers represents a year of workshops, aspects of which we were treated to at the Tivoli bookshop season last year.

But the show, in actuality, is drawn from a lifetime of spiritual growth and coming of age.

Warwick has lived a life unlike any ordinary life and such is the lot of those born sensitive and artistic. Every new community or scene he enthusiastically coveted, has added to his richly layered world view.

Often restless and with a deep longing for peace, he has travelled the world.  New Zealand, with its post-war ethics and mores, drove him away and kept him away for years. Now he has returned, and with modesty, has come home.

Warwick presents the show solo, but it has gone through some work with the able direction of Nick Blake of theatre group Dramadillo fame.

The show is many things and Warwick decided at the outset that “It is a performance-lecture, I have to state that and own that …” and while this gives good structure to the show, it by no means narrows its appeal.

There are a stream of characters; the Teacher, The Japanese Tea Ceremony Master, a Tortoise, a Hare, and my personal favourite, The Great Pretender. This last character stomps occasionally through the set, entertaining all, upsetting no one, giving energy, music and dance, and chuckling quietly off stage.  Warwick warns us all not to be hoodwinked but to “have a life and do it graciously”.

There is a true sense of healing, without all the trappings of being fooled. Certainly there is the customary liturgy from Warwick involving costumes, entrances and exits, blessings, welcomings, bows, sharing of drink, readings, prayers and song. Warwick betrays his Catholic upbringing at every performance.  Once you accept that ritual has its place, you see that Warwick knows how to place it in the theatre world to charm everyone.

He is the true master in this show. He has trimmed ‘the business’ and presents a fine balance of improbable improvisation (opening night involved the dog Toto) and crafted monologue. 

Remember, this is the man who stopped Kim Hill in her tracks at the outset of an in-depth interview on National Radio, catching her off-guard with a gentle query about her daughter. The charm paid off and Kim had to start again on a less antagonistic line. Warwick knows exactly when to ply the sweets and the medicine. In some ways this reflects Warwick’s own life – a balance of fun and seriousness. Warwick talks of his journey, and you cannot help but feel honoured to see his honesty. This is a show that will have you spell-bound.

Warwick is available to perform his unique solo show in private homes. For bookings, call 09 372 4222

Find out more about this show:
       see the poster here
       article here
   or download the flyer here

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