The Road That Wasn't There

Following their highly successful tour across New Zealand in 2015, Trick of the Light Theatre's deliciously dark fairy-tale production 'The Road That Wasn't There' is back onstage with a massive lineup of shows this April and May. Championing puppetry, shadow play and live music, this 12-centre tour will unleash its magical charms on curious Kiwi fans in Blenheim, Christchurch, Oamaru, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Palmerston North, Whanganui and Hamilton.

Set in Central Otago, 'The Road That Wasn't There' is rooted in New Zealand folklore—from lost moa roaming the foothills, to faeries who drink moonshine out of the back of Mitre 10. This curious tale—reminiscent of the late (great) Margaret Mahy or Neil Gaiman—is the brainchild of Trick of the Light Theatre. This magical production has been played to full houses in its premiere season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

"Charming, funny and haunting in equal measure... a storytelling triumph." - Word on the Street

Trick of the Light Theatre is an award-winning New Zealand theatre company founded by Hannah Smith and Ralph McCubbin Howell. The company has travelled the world and collected numerous awards for their productions which celebrate creativity—delivering playful, thought-provoking and resonant theatre along the way. 'The Road That Wasn't There's series of accolades include Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (Outstanding New Playwright, Outstanding New NZ Play, Most Promising Director, and Production of the Year), Auckland Arts Festival Award (Auckland Fringe), Children's Event Award (Fringe World, Perth 2016), and Best Children's Event (Adelaide Fringe 2016).

Take a wild ride on 'The Road That Wasn't There' and find out for yourselves what New Zealand is raving all about this fall!