Joe Bennett
OUR PATRON
Joe Bennett is a columnist and author but far more importantly a former Riccartonian. He performed in several shows towards the end of last century, including Teachers, Pack of Girls, Tiggy Tiggy Touchwood and a wonderful absurdist production written by Patrick Evans, and he was several times Master of Ceremonies at the notorious Palace of Varieties.
RICCARTON PLAYERS 2023 COMMITTEE
Meet the 2023 Committee Members.
Alistair Bean
President
DoDom
Alistair has been involved with Riccarton Players since 1985 when he appeared onstage as Captain Arthur Keller in their 25th Anniversary Production of “The Miracle Worker”
He has also performed on stage since 1982 in such productions as Les
Misérables, Chess, Evita, Grease, West Side story as both a Jet and a Shark,
Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical, Lend me a Tenor, What the Butler saw, to name a few, with Riccarton Players, Christchurch Operatic
Society/Showbiz Christchurch, where he was also a Committee Member,
Canterbury Children’s Theatre, Invercargill Musical Theatre,
Invercargill Repertory Society and as an extra on Three Seasons of McPhail
and Gadsby with other TVNZ Credits and Day Player Movie roles.
He has Directed three plays for Riccarton Players – “Dracula” by Ted Tiller, “The Men’s Room” by Patrick Evans and “The Red Couch” which he also wrote as his first ever One Act Play and won the Theatrefest Aotearoa NZ Award in 2022 for this new work .
Alistair runs his own business, lives in Governors Bay with his Wife. They have
four Adult Children, One Grandchild, four Goldadors (Labrador/Retriever Dogs)
and a Cat called Maple.
Donna Masters
Treasurer
My first show with Riccarton Players was in 1998. Early 2000’s I lived 3 years in London and then more recently had 5 years in Australia. Coming back to Christchurch each time and doing shows again (or even just Front of House, backstage or attending Social events if not on stage) with Riccarton Players was so comforting. Renewing friendships and making new ones – there is “No place like Home” and that is what this Group is for me.
I have been in Musicals, Kidsfest plays, and of course the legendary ‘Arpov’. This year 2023 is my first on the Committee, and I was honoured to be nominated Treasurer (Accounts is my daytime job).
Emma Gordon
Technical and Online Bookings
I have been involved with theatre since moving back to Christchurch in 2009, mainly working on lighting and sound. My first show for Riccarton Players was Tortoise and the Hare Playbox at the Mill Theatre and I can’t have done too bad a job since I was allowed to come back again! After being involved with most Riccarton shows in one form or another over the last few years, this is my first year on committee. In my other life I work in a medical laboratory part time and am a mother to a very busy wee boy.
Dom Wilson
Secretary
Dom has been involved in the non for profit sector since he was 12 years old. He's passionate about community, governance, and developing/supporting others.
Theatre has always been something in his life with parents who have been involved heavily with theatre societies across Christchurch.
Dom loves the challenge community theatre brings and the community that comes with Riccarton Players as well!
Doug Clarke
Committee
Doug Clarke has been actively involved in theatre in Canterbury since 1964 and for most of that time has been an ardent proponent of recreational theatre. While Doug has been involved with several theatre societies, it has been Riccarton Players which has benefited most from his passion.
He is the first to admit that it is not his acting skills which have drawn acclaim. Rather, it is his extensive work behind the scenes in sound, lighting, stage-crew, props, set design and construction, special effects, playwriting and especially as a director, which have demonstrated his tremendous creative skills.
Not content with just these aspects of theatre, he has also been dedicated to administration both locally and nationally and is a Life Member of both Riccarton Players & Elmwood Players.
In recognition of his contribution to community theatre, Doug was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for Community Service in 2003.
Michelle Histen
Props / Publicity / Social Media
Colleen Lewis
Wardrobe
Karyn Gibson
Committee
Andrew Gordon
Committee
Simon Anderson
Committee