The 53rd Victim – performed in Whangarei by Bogwood

On the morning of July 7th 2005, Pip Hall was in London. She wandered into Tavistock Square shortly after that double-decker bus had been destroyed by suicide bombers. Also there at the same time was a young New Zealand woman claiming to be a doctor as she assisted the wounded and the dying.

Hall, the daughter of New Zealand dramatist Roger Hall, was so intrigued by this woman’s story and subsequent fate, that she made her the central character in her award-winning play ‘The 53rd Victim’.

Sarah Boon, who will be playing Rachel Brooke-Taylor

Directed by Kelly Johnson, ‘The 53rd Victim’ will be performed by Bogwood Productions in the Old Library, Whangarei, at the end of June. The story of Rachel Brooke-Taylor , to be played by Sarah Boon, promises to be a gripping and memorable piece of theatre which will surprise and excite audiences.

Bogwood Productions played a sell-out season of William Shakespeare’s classic ‘Macbeth’ at the Old Library in September, 2009, and in 2010 is offering a Preferential Booking Season. From 1st May -1st June, Northland theatregoers will be able to purchase tickets for ‘ The 53rd Victim ‘ at the reduced rate of $15.

In 2009 Hall was awarded the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award for ‘ The 53rd Victim’. It is an award which recognises the work of an outstanding emerging New Zealand playwright, and previous winners include many of New Zealand’s most celebrated writers.

‘The 53rd Victim’ opens on 23th June and will enjoy a season of 12 performances. Tickets will be available at the Old Library, 430 6432, from 1st May. Contact Huw Turner, 432 0880, for further details or bogwoodinfo@gmail.com