JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND & MICHAEL HURST RETURN TO THE STAGE WITH THE POWERFUL IN OTHER WORDS

Following its hugely successful Australasian debut and sold-out season at Q Theatre Auckland, In Other Words is heading across New Zealand for a national tour. Full dates have now been announced for the 2025 tour, heading to Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wānaka, Hastings, and Auckland from 22 February.

In Other Words is a moving and intimate love story that looks at the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the way music can keep memories alive. Starring acclaimed actors Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst, the play follows Arthur and Jane as they navigate love, loss, and the lasting power of music, all set to the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra.

Written by UK playwright Matthew Seager, the play was inspired by his time running sensory therapy workshops in dementia care homes. The result is a heartfelt and deeply human story about the strength of love and how music can bring people back to themselves, even in the hardest moments. Audiences and critics have been deeply moved by the raw storytelling and stunning performances from Ward-Lealand and Hurst. As Theatreview put it, “Phenomenal performances from powerhouse performers at the top of their game.”

When the production debuted at Q Theatre, audience members stayed behind after the show to share their own stories. Caregivers in particular expressed how seen and understood they felt. Jennifer said that it has been an especially humbling experience: “After some performances, people have come up to me in tears saying, ‘That’s my life right now.’ There’s something really special about telling a story that so many people can relate to.”

In their first ever two-hander production in careers that span over four decades, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst play two characters that meet in their 20's, fall in love, and share a life together. In real life Jennifer and Michael have also been together since their 20s, mirroring the protagonists and making Arthur and Jane’s relationship feel all the more real. “One day, while doing the dishes, Jennifer asked if I’d been to the bank. I answered without thinking—then realised these were lines from the show. We kept it up, sounding just like a real conversation. I got a bit hysterical. It was actually hilarious. The wall between reality and performance was extremely thin.” says Michael.

This tour is presented by Figment Productions and produced by the passionate and award winning Callum Brodie (Waiting for Waiting for Godot).
 

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton
Hamilton Arts Festival
22nd & 23rd February 2025
Tickets available here

Circa Theatre, Wellington
27th February – 2nd March & 5th – 8th March 2025
Tickets available here 

Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
13th – 15th March 2025
Tickets available here 

Dunedin
27th & 28th March 2025
Tickets available here 

Wānaka Festival of Colour
30th Mar 2025
Tickets available here 

Opera House, Hastings
4th April 2025
Tickets available here 

Q Theatre, Auckland
11th – 12th April 2025
Tickets available here 

In Other Words has a runtime of 60 minutes with no intermission.