AN ELECTRIC THRILLER THAT DELIVERS THE MOST RIVETING 90 MINS YOU’LL EVER SPEND IN THE THEATRE

THE WASP
By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm
Directed by Sam Snedden
Starring Miriama McDowell and Bree Peters
 
Two of Aotearoa’s most accomplished actors come together to perform a car chase of a thriller which will have audiences gasping for air and gripping their seats, when The Wasp makes its NZ premiere at Auckland’s Q Theatre 14 - 24 September and Wellington’s Circa Theatre from 1 - 29 October.

Heather and Carla haven't seen each other in years. Carla lives a down and out hand-to-mouth existence while Heather looks like she has it all. During an unexpected catch up, Heather presents Carla with a bag of money and a deadly proposition. But what seems at first like a straightforward arrangement is just the first twist in a tightening spiral that will pull them both in.
 
A twisting two-hander, The Wasp is a fast-paced psychological thriller that is a sharp reminder that if you don’t deal with your past, you should expect it to deal with you.
Like Promising Young Woman or your favourite revenge-filled Netflix thriller come to life.

Friends for many years and long time collaborators - Miriama McDowell (Whina, Coming Home in the Dark) and Bree Peters (Sweet Tooth, Shortland Street) will, under the direction of Sam Snedden lead the audiences through the twists and turns that are so deliciously written by UK playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. McDowell has a special connection with the writer's work having directed a large-scale production of West End hit Emilia in 2020. She, like the writer, is committed to creating work where women take the lead. “I directed Morgan Lloyd Malcom’s award-winning play Emilia for Pop Up Globe. She is an astounding playwright, and I can’t wait to get into this meaty piece with Sam and Bree” says McDowell.

Audiences surely can’t forget this creative team coming together for Sam Brooks’ captivating script Burn Her in 2018. Since this successful season, they have been eager to get together again and make some more theatre electricity. 

The Wasp was first staged at Hampstead Downstairs, Hampstead Theatre, London, in January 2015, transferring to the Trafalgar Studios in the West End in December 2015. It has been performed all over the UK and Europe to great acclaim.
 

“sharply comic… makes the deranged and unreasonable suddenly seem frighteningly reasonable” - The Guardian

The Wasp plays
AUCKLAND:
14 – 24 September
Q Theatre
$25 - $35
Tickets via Q Theatre
 
WELLINGTON:
1 – 29 October
Circa Theatre
$25 - $54
Tickets via Circa Theatre
 
Trigger warnings: This show contains explicit references of sexual assault, violence, and themes regarding mental health. This show is suitable for audience members aged 16 and above.