This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
09.11.2025 20:24 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Michael directed episode 3.
30.10.2025 20:53 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Michael and Jennifer, along with Bret McKenzie and Jamie McCaskill, will star in the Circa Variety Show, a fundraiser for Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
27.10.2025 20:46 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
The 23 November Jubilation choir performance β featuring guest artists Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa β has sold out. A 3pm matinee has now been added.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
21.10.2025 20:11 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Short film GOOD PEOPLE has its world premier today at Byron Bay Film Festival. It stars Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach, directed by Fernando Hart.
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
18.10.2025 19:14 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Then Saturday it will be shown at Adelaide International Film Festival. Info/tix: www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2025...
15.10.2025 19:41 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
15.10.2025 19:04 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 0 π 1
Michael joins MichΓ¨le AβCourt, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jeremy Elwood, Liv Tennet, Stephen Papps, Acacia OβConnor and Tough Tiger Fist in a fundraiser for VOICES FOR PALESTINE: "Through performance, comedy, & music, weβll celebrate humanity & hope"
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
14.10.2025 20:48 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Political theatre: Helen Clark play makes its debut in ATC 2026 season
Auckland Theatre Company also staging Cabaret, Macbeth and Ruth Bader Ginsburg play.
HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS: "Itβs framed as a journey through her life and times via her wardrobe β¦ witty yet thought-provoking exploration of how Clark was frequently judged on her appearance rather than her intellect or political acumen."
Gift article: www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener...
13.10.2025 23:13 β π 6 π 2 π¬ 0 π 0
Helen Clark in Six Outfits | 7 - 26 Apr 2026 | ASB Waterfront Theatre
Helen Clark in Six Outfits | 7 - 26 Apr 2026 | ASB Waterfront Theatre | She didn't just break the glass ceiling; she ice-axed it. | Jennifer Ward-Lealand | Sophie Roberts | Dan Williams | Filament Ele...
Subscriptions to Auckland Theatre Company's 2026 season are now open. Jennifer stars in the HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS world premiere: "hilarious new playβ¦retraces the remarkable trajectory of a farm girlβ¦[to] NZβs first elected female Prime Minister".
Info/subscribe: atc.co.nz/whats-on/202...
13.10.2025 23:11 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
More to see at Byron Bay Film Festival! BIRTHRIGHT is the opening night feature film (17 Oct), but you can also enjoy the world premiere of short film GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Fernando Hart and starring Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach.
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
07.10.2025 19:30 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Jennifer will be a reader of historical letters from the Turnbull Library. LETTERS OUT LOUD, National Library, 18 October.
"these lettersβpoignant, funny, & surprisingβoffer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
29.09.2025 18:35 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
The Original Blood, Sex & Sandals Series Ravages Netflix Ahead of Sequel
Netflix is reaping the rewards for the delay in the highly-anticipated return of this brutal historical epic.
The original SPARTACUS, which came available again this week, is in the top 10 @netflix.com shows, as people re-watch (or watch for the first time) in preparation for SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR in December.
Michael directed 8 episodes.
movieweb.com/spartacus-st...
26.09.2025 02:55 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Jennifer will be singing with Jubilation choir, along with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika_Moa, in JUBILATION AT THE HOLLYWOOD on 23 November.
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
25.09.2025 01:08 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Michael's had an extremely busy year.
Performing in films:
THE PARTY (short)
SMOKY
Performing in:
IN OTHER WORDS (tour)
THE GOLDEN ASS
Directing:
CHICAGO (tour)
I DIDN'T INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
Directing:
MY LIFE IS MURDER (2 eps)
A break at last, on holiday with Jennifer in Europe.
22.09.2025 20:20 β π 2 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
The festivals keep coming. BIRTHRIGHT has also been selected for the Adelaide Film Festival. It will be shown at The Piccadilly on 18 and 25 October.
Michael plays Richard.
Info/tix: www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2025...
15.09.2025 21:21 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Michael directed the 2-part season finale of MY LIFE IS MURDER. Part 1 airs this Sunday at 8:30 on TVNZ 1. Guest star Craig Parker plays an old foe who Alexa runs into while on holiday in Fiji. Also guest-starring Fern Sutherland.
09.09.2025 21:51 β π 4 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Zoe Pepper's violent satire Birthright to open Byron Bay Film Festival | ScreenHub Australia - Film & Television Jobs, News, Reviews & Screen Industry Data
Zoe Pepper's dark family satire Birthright kicks off the Byron Bay Film Festival.
BIRTHRIGHT has been selected as the Byron Bay International Film Festival opening night film with a red-carpet gala screening on 17 October at Palace Byron Bay, followed by an after-party at Tokyo Doll.
Tix: www.trybooking.com/events/landi...
Screenhub article: www.screenhub.com.au/news/news/bi...
08.09.2025 19:34 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 1
Aucklandβs regenerated city centre is beamed to 90 countries
βTΔmaki Makaurau is a stunning character in its own right.β
OUR AUCKLAND welcomes the recognition brought by MY LIFE IS MURDER: "The worldβs eyes are on Auckland as TV series secures global reach". Also on "top Kiwi creatives" involved in making it β including "Multi-talented actor & director Michael Hurst"
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09...
04.09.2025 01:02 β π 4 π 3 π¬ 0 π 0
Spartacus Returns to Netflix After 5 Years: The Epic Gladiator Series Is Back!
Get ready to revisit the blood-soaked arenas of ancient Rome! After a five-year absence, the critically acclaimed Starz series Spartacus is making its triumphan
The original SPARTACUS series from @stevendeknight.bsky.social returns to US @netflix.com on 22 Sept. Just in time for a re-watch (or a first watch) in preparation for SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR this winter.
Michael directed 8 episodes (and has a brief cameo in 1!)
technosports.co.in/spartacus-re...
03.09.2025 22:02 β π 2 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Hey, hey, WA! Don't delay!
The CinefestOZ BIRTHRIGHT Film Premiere Event is Friday. Get tix here: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
"black, absurdist humor β¦ The father and sonβs relationship, colored in fifty shades of toxic, is at the core of this impressive debut"/Olga Artemyeva
01.09.2025 22:13 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
CHICAGO review: "Dazzling show hits bulls-eye β¦spectacular performance β¦ the acting is thoroughly professional β¦ dancing [and] stunning acrobatics [ ] were always flawless and spectacularly effortless β¦ brilliantly executed"/Otago Daily Times
www.odt.co.nz/entertainmen...
31.08.2025 19:59 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
BIRTHRIGHT is one of four finalists for the $100,000 film prize at CinefestOZ. Next Friday its Film Premiere Event will be at Reading Cinema Busselton. Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=npmg...
Info/tix: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
Michael plays Richard: "Hurst is the standout"/FilmForward
27.08.2025 22:10 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Auckland β check! Christchurch β check! It's your turn, Dunedin.
CHICAGO is at the Regent Theatre this Friday and Saturday. www.regenttheatre.co.nz/project/chic...
"What a cast! β¦ A showcase β¦ embraces Chicagoβs history, glamour, and moral complexities β¦ I am going again"/Theatreview
26.08.2025 20:39 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Last chance, Christchurch! After a sold-out weekend, the late-added Tues performance of CHICAGO still has some tickets available: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"Bold, confident β¦ flawless β¦ Everyone up there is a total star β¦ one of the most dazzling shows Iβve ever seen"/Theatreview
24.08.2025 23:45 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Just a handful of tickets available for the CHICAGO weekend performances, better selection for the recently-added Tuesday show. Get tix here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
22.08.2025 03:06 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Review: Chicago β an enthralling, razor-sharp production of an enduring classic
Sophie Ricketts reviews Chicago, book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, produced by Ben McDonald, directed by Michael Hurst, choreography by Shona McCullagh, muβ¦
CHICAGO review: "Iβve seen Chicago before [ ] this one, without a doubt, is my favourite β¦ the staging in this production was particularly exciting β¦ satire is so on the nose β¦ sexiest version of the show Iβve ever seen β¦ had me enthralled"/FlatCityFieldNotes
flatcityfieldnotes.com/2025/08/18/r...
18.08.2025 00:26 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Chicago the Musical
CHICAGO review: "Bold, confident β¦ Hurstβs take on the Fossesβ production Chicago is a flawless mix of camp and transgression β¦ Everyone up there is a total star β¦ get your tickets NOW β¦ one of the most dazzling shows Iβve ever seen"/Theatreview
www.theatreview.org.nz/production/c...
17.08.2025 22:56 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi works across the creative landscape to facilitate conversations, provide impactful research, support artist development, and advocate for the infrastructure our sector needs to make TΔmaki Makaurau a city alive with creativity β¨
See it your way at the Sydney Film Festival, returning in June 2025. https://www.sff.org.au/
Author. Speaker. Consultant. Mother. Wife. Goad. US & AoNZ dual citizen. New Mythos and futurist gal about town. Phoenix Horizon trilogy--(R)EVOLUTION, (ID)ENTITY, and (CON)SCIENCE--predicted far too much.
Theatre nomads from Aotearoa / New Zealand. Shows include The Bookbinder, The Road That Wasn't There, The Griegol, and Suitcase Show.
https://www.trickofthelight.co.nz/links
Writer, interviewer, reviewer in New Zealand. Believe in human rights and love asking questions. π³πΏπ³οΈβπ andrewwhiteside.com
Daily word puzzle game.
Play for free at playhangfive.com, and on the App Store and in Google Play.
Q Theatre is Aucklandβs home of independent performing arts.
https://www.qtheatre.co.nz
https://linktr.ee/qtheatre
Telling stories & making theatre since 1997. TaΜmaki Makaurau.
Check out Silo 2025, live now: https://silotheatre.co.nz/whats-on
UP NEXT: Mother Play: a play in five evictions by Paula Vogel
https://silotheatre.co.nz/show/mother-play
Screenwriters Union of Aotearoa New Zealand. We represent the professional interests of writers in the fields of film, television, theatre, radio, comics and new media.
By writers, for writers, since 1976.
www.nzwg.org.nz
Fun for Fans Since 1971! Producer of fan conventions!
For support, email: customer.service@creationent.com
Writer/director/producer. Showrunner/creator of Spartacus for Starz. Showrunner of Marvel's Daredevil, Season 1. And a bunch of other stuff.
Recovering Tweeter. Handy with a Lancer, vontrols the weather and sometimes the ocean. Oh, and I actually AM Spartacus. Married to the amazing Erin, father to the incredible Scarlett and Harry. Terrible with names.
