About us
Our Team
The Ugly Shakespeare Company has a proven record in New Zealand schools, providing consistently high-quality live theatre performances since 1996.
For 27 years we have provided accessible, relatable and entertaining shows that not only take the fear out of Shakespeare, but also give students the opportunity to engage in new New Zealand theatre written by contemporary NZ playwrights. Crediting the students with intelligence, we like to challenge their thinking, present issues that are contextual to their lives, and entertain them at the same time.
Richard Green – Producer/Director
Richard has been an arts practitioner since leaving school. Richard embarked on a career which was focussed, unintentionally, on theatre in education. Looking for a challenging project led him to “The Compleat Works of William Shkspr (Abridged)”, which toured nationally in 1996 and became the Ugly Shakespeare Company, Aotearoa’s longest running TIE company.
This culminates in over 35 years practical experience in the Arts, including arts governance. Richard continues as Executive Director of the He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust which facilitates Kete Aronui, The Factory Theatre and The Ugly Shakespeare Company.
Frankie Browne – Director
Francesca (Frankie) Browne is an actor, writer, director, theatre practitioner and youth theatre tutor. She was a member of Massive Theatre Company’s Nui Ensemble, performed in two national touring theatre shows, Duffy Books in Homes and The Ugly Shakespeare Company (Romeo and Jules). She co-adapted an original script for the Ugly Shakespeare company in 2022 (Titus) and will be the director for their 2024 show. Francesca also co-runs her own improv company, “Improverished”, and has directed several of their long-form improv shows. Last year, Francesca took a break from performing to study at Clown School in Paris at Ecole Phillipe Gaulier, where she was told once that she was “not so bad.”
Writer
Announcement soon
Cast #1
We are on the hunt for 3 cast members for the 2024 National Tour! Could you be one of them? Keep your eyes on our social media pages for the audition announcements!
Cast #2
Announcement soon
Cast #3
Announcement soon