Previous Shows.

2019: Xanthia

A tale about Xanthia who visits from another world where colour and individuality is forgotten, and Adriana who is on a journey of re-discovery learning to step back into her power and confidence. As Adriana begins to reconnect with her innate confidence and sense of self worth, Xanthia follows and learns that although messy there is so much beauty and life in the messiness of individual expression and humanity. A story abut embracing the colour and beauty in the world and leaning in to it even when it’s scary.

show development + personnel

Producer: Anne Pankhurst, Creative Producer: Denny Spee, Exec. Producer: Tracey Preston-Lett, Director: Marilyn Collins-Smith, Technical Director: Josh Cassin, Heads of Design: Shelley Pullar, Jason Davies, Penelope Davies, Head of Garment Design: Vicki Reid, Sound Design: Baz Mantis, Choreographer: Francis Rodriguez

GUEST ARTISTS + PRINCIPAL PERFORMERS

Caitriona Fallon: as Adriana, Jackie Clarke: as Jacqueline, Annie Crummer: as Anne, Bryony Skillington: as Ryan

2017: zoetica

An unlikely group of women come together, daring to dream and launch a digital magazine. Our key protagonist Alex (played by Catroina Fallon) may have been stretching the truth when it came to her amount of sway with partner (ahem, boss) Lucille Zapper (played by Peta Mathias who checks in via video call along the way). Everything hits the skids when the bills pile up and Alex is exposed, but all is forgiven and with a bit of teamwork and faith it all comes together for the launch. Fashion walks peppered through the show represented each of the feature stories that Alex and the team produced for the magazine. A tale of sisterhood, identity and finding your beauty and power.

show development + personnel

Exec. Producer: Denny Spee, Director: Marilyn Collins-Smith, Creative Director of Design: Robyne Dowdall, Musical Director: Maree White, Choreographer: Cole Bockman, Designers: Cherrie Harris, Robyn Molloy, Robyne Dowdall, Debbie Sutherland, Vicki Reid, Robin Watkins, Michelle Rose, Kerry Funnel, Digital Design: Two Seats Studio, Paul and Sass Innes, Production Manager: Ross Shilling, Stage Manager: Bronwyn-Ann Lightbody, Hair + Wig Creations: ADO, Jason and Penny Davies and team, Make-up: Sophie Garth, Tracey Fellingham and team Milliner Designer: Monika Nuehauser, Art Dept: Jannine Bishop, Richard Parker, Cast + Backstage Crew: 230, Photographer: Natalie Murdoch Photography, Brydie Photography, Karlie Morrow Photography.

Guest Artists + Principal Performers

Jackie Clarke: as herself, Peta Mathias: Lucille Zapper, Catriona Fallon: Alex Peach-Parker, Catherine Sylvester: Marjory, Tania Brittain: Clover Wells, Tracey Bourgeois: Rachel Silverman, Brenda Poutawera + Michelle Hill: Raquel + Rochelle, Megan Brebner: Mary Bray, Carol Lyons: Tanesha Lewis, Trish Marsden: Francene O’Hagan.

2011: A FABULOUS TASTE OF FRENCH FASHION

Based on French designers the 2011 show was a play. Set in a cafe in Paris, beautiful creations were introduced through song, dance and story.

Show Development + Personnel

Producer: Denny Spee, Director: Vanessa Byrnes, Creative Director: Judith Bell, Assistant Designer: Robyne Dowdall, Musical Director: Aaron Saxon, Choreographer: Caterina Cosma, Stage Manager: Bronwyn-Ann Lightbody, Hair Creations: Lynx Hair Direction Penny Rimmer and team, Make-Up Artists: Coordinator Tina Neville and Team, Cast + Backstage Crew: 120, Photographers: Emily Hlavac Green Photography, Roly Ebbing.

Guest Artist

Jackie Clarke

2009: THROUGH THE DECADES - 1920's to 1960's

The inspiration for Tarnished Frocks And Divas 2009 was taken from five decades-1920’s through to 1960’s.  Many of those involved had mothers and grandmothers who lived through these eras. Re-vamped fashion, film narrative, music, song, memory, dance, story, wit and popular culture from those decades were interwoven to create a living and colourful patchwork.

An integral part of the Tarnished Frocks and Divas August 2009 show was the opportunity for young fashion designers to enter their creations in what has become a very competitive “open section”. The theme for the secondary school open section of the third Diva Show was “Futuristic Divas”.

Tarnished Frocks and Divas’ wardrobe designer Judith Bell briefed the designers to put themselves in the shoes of a design trendsetter and forecaster. Just as war, the depression, and the introduction of zips and man made fibres had a huge influence on the history of fashion, the young designers were asked to consider how economics, technology, the environment and other cultures/sub-cultures could influence fashion trends in the future.

Show Development + Personnel

Producer: Denny Spee, Director:  Vanessa Byrnes, Creative Director: Judith Bell, Voice Coach: Jane Keller, Choreographer: Paula Harrison, Stage Manager: Bronwyn-Ann Lightbody, Hair Creations: Lynx Hair Direction, Penny Rimmer, Adoux , Jason and Penny Davies and teams, Photographers: Jo Miller and Capture -it School of Photography

guest artist

Jackie Clarke

2007: THE LIFE OF A DIVA

Bolstered by the success of that first show the same women went on to produce a second event. This built on, enhanced and strengthened the Western Bay of Plenty arts movement with a unique form of creativity. It explored and promoted the ethnic diversity of our culture. With a cast made up of models, dancers and singers  the audiences were once again inspired and the show fuelled their interest and passion in the Arts. New Zealand's iconic performer Jackie Clarke sung a varied range of songs  throughout the show which saw the audience  up on their feet rock-in!

Show Development + Personnel

Creative Director: Helen Lees, Director: Barby Pensabene, Musical Director: Maree White, Choir Director: Adrienne Ranson, Choreographers: Denny Spee, Sheree Phillips, Lighting: Ben Hambling, Stage Manager: Bronwyn-Ann Lightbody, Hair: Coordinator Lynx Hair Directon, Penny Rimmer and team, Cast and Backstage Crew: 100, Photographers: Ross Brown, Roly Ebbing.

Guest Artist

Jackie Clarke

2005: THE INAUGURAL SHOW - A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVA

Tarnished Frocks and Divas took the form of a performing arts exhibition and fashion show - with a difference!  The fashion theme focused on retro clothing, creatively revamped and reworked into contemporary styles. The aim was to inspire women to be creative, expressive, imaginative, and have fun. All Tarnished Frocks and Divas sections were performed by women older than 40 who have emerged from the retro era, adding authenticity to the performance. The show also featured national celebrity guests who epitomized the overall vision of celebrating life. The unique talents of Jackie Clarke (singer/cabaret/theatre/performing artist) and Elena (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra violinist) inspired, enriched and entertained the audience.

Show Development + Personnel

Creative Director: Helen Lees, Technical Director: Barby Pensabene, Choreographer: Denny Spee, Assistant Choreographer: Sheree Phillips, Production Team: Deirdre Miller, Donna Crosby, Jenny Yelavich, Kerry Lee, Lyn Cutforth, Megan Newlove, Shirley Stevens, Zandy Derbyshire, Stage Mangaer: Jenny Elliot, Assistant Stage Manager: Bronwyn-Ann Lightbody, Hair: Lynx Hair Direction, Penny Rimmer and team, Makeup: Desiree Osterman and team, Cast + backstage crew: 50, Photographer: Joanne Black.

Guest Artists

Jackie Clarke, New Zealand Violinist Elena