The Play House

Let your imagination run free. Listen here for RNZ's collection of plays, dramas and comedies

Produced by Duncan Smith

Cover image in teal and seafoam green tones featuring the text 'The Playhouse' in bold black serif font, with 'Audio Collection' in smaller uppercase text above. Stylized vertical book spines in varying green hues line the right edge of the image.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

End of Summer Time

End of Summer Time

End of Summer Time revisits curmudgeon Richard ‘Dickie’ Hart, an ex-cow cockie who finds himself, deep into retirement, living with his wife Glenda in an upscale apartment on Auckland’s North Shore.
Ross Gumbley in End of Summer Time at The Court Theatre

Nicola Cheeseman is Back

Nicola is sick of being in charge of happy.
Jodie Rimmer sitting on sofa playing electric guitar

The Raft

In a lakeside settlement on the West Coast, Mark and Tonia retreat to Mark’s family bach in a last-ditch effort to rescue their troubled marriage. But when Mark’s estranged parents arrive unannounced, memories flood back and threaten to drown them all.
early morning mist on Lake Haupiri, a small lake near the Southern Alps, West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.

The Cave of Winds

Two Kiwi soldiers are in hiding after Crete has fallen to the Nazis. Two members of the resistance are risking all to shelter them as German troops draw ever closer.
German Junkers Ju 52 transport planes drop paratroops over Heraklion, 20 May 1941

The Kingdom of Bling

A satirical examination of recent presidential elections in the USA from Richard O'Brien, the creator of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Musical theatre with a political edge.
Supplementary image for episode: The Kingdom of Bling

Flowers from my Mother's Garden

Snaps from the family album of Kate and Miranda Harcourt
Dame Kate Harcourt with daughter Miranda

Richard Interred

What treachery and betrayal is afoot today in the very carpark under which lay the bones of the usurping tyrant, Richard of York?
The oak coffin with the remains of King Richard III on a horse-drwan carriage in front of St Nicholas Church in Leicester.

The Moehau

Is there something ancient, dark and dangerous in the high country of the Moehau ranges?
Sketch of the Moehau Man, as described by witness Len Lisle

Lullaby Jock

Lullaby Jock paints an affectionate portrait of Jock Ferry, a colourful but troubled character and explores the impact his war experience had on shaping his life.
Kiwi soldiers posing on tank WW2

Man Parts

The only musical comedy that dresses to the left.
Some language may offend
Carrie Green in Man Parts

A Boy Called Piano

Three boys find remarkable resilience as they use friendship, culture and music to survive abuse. A story that takes you into the heart of darkness, so you can see the light of the human spirit.
Contains references to abuse
A man leaning over a piano.