Arts on Tour: Social Animal - finding relevance in a social media world

Name: Arts on Tour: Social Animal - finding relevance in a social media world
Start: 2026-06-12T09:30:00+12:00
End: 2026-06-12T11:00:00+12:00
Location: 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, New Zealand 8014

Schedule

Fri Jun 12 2026 at 09:30 am to 11:00 am

UTC+12:00

Location

2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, New Zealand 8014 | Christchurch, CA

“Priceless… wonderful. One out of the box; a winner.” — John Smythe, Theatreview
In an era where a single post can shatter a life, Social Animal brings a sharp, satirical edge to the Auckland stage following its hit season in Wellington. Opening at Q Loft on April 7 and then touring New Zealand in June with Arts on Tour NZ, this solo tour de force explores the fragility of fame and the unexpected paths to redemption.
Presented in association with Greyhounds as Pets, the production highlights a timely connection to the New Zealand racing industry’s upcoming closure in July 2026, and the thousands of dogs seeking new lives beyond the track.
Actor Joe Quigley was the face of Parks, the nation’s favourite TV detective—until one reckless comment cost him everything. With his career, marriage, and reputation in ruins, the last thing Joe needs is a stray, neurotic ex-racing greyhound following him home.
But as Joe navigates life on the other side of fame, he discovers that this ill-disciplined dog and a quirky community of local walkers might be exactly what he needs to solve his own life’s greatest mystery: who is he without the spotlight?
📆 Fri 12 Jun
⏰ 7.30pm - 9pm
📍 Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
🎟️ $25.00
🔗 https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/social-animal-finding-relevance-in-a-social-media-world/
Biting satire and theatre wizardry fuse as award-winning actor Stephen Papps inhabits a rich menagerie of characters—human and canine alike—with beguiling virtuosity. Created by Papps and Damon Andrews, the production arrives with widespread critical acclaim. Cate Prestidge from Theatreview describes Social Animal as “glorious,” noting it is “impressive for a performer to embody a big range of characters … well-written and full of humorous insights and revelations!