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“BE LIKE BILLY? WILL SURELY GO DOWN AS A TRUE TAONGA OF AOTEAROA’S THEATRE HISTORY”
– Backstage Christchurch | Belinda Cullen Reid
Tāmaki Makaurau Premiere. Join award-winning entertainer Rutene Spooner as he celebrates show-band legacy, idolises the greatest Māori showman, and tussles with the future of Māori in entertainment.
Featuring the flashest southern showband The Tekīra Mutton Birds, Be Like Billy? strums up all new and original waiata, garage party classics, and old-school hits from the likes of Uncle Howie, The Prince of Jandels, and Te legend, Te master, Te chuckling funny-fala.
Be Like Billy? is everything but an impersonation show. Can you Be Like Billy without being the butt of the joke?
“Spooner lays out this complexity for us in a show that starts with joy and celebration, with nostalgia, then pivots to something more complex when the audience is confronted with the division between laughing at and laughing with…” — Flat City Field Notes | Erin Harrington
Originally commissioned by The Court Theatre, produced by Metro Māori Productions and presented as part of the PANNZ (Performing Arts Network of New Zealand) touring programme.
Creator/Performer
Musical Director/
Arranger/Drums
Director
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Graphic Design
Keys
Audio Engineer
Lighting Design
Producer
Production Design
Kaiawhina
PANNZ Production Manager
Script Advisor
Kaiwhakaari
Kaiwhakaari
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
Kōanga Season Pass
Don’t want to miss anything this Kōanga Festival? For the first time EVER we’ve created season passes! Check out the details…
$180 Taumata Pass | Access to all ticketed Kōanga events
$90 Kōuru Pass | Access to our Tokomanawa main bills: Rutene Spooner’s Be Like Billy? Ngā Rorirori & Neke
$60 Mahuri Pass | Access to new works: Both Play Readings & Māori Krishna + AltarNative
General Tickets
$50 Tīkiti Tautoko | This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre
$30 Tīkiti Ngākau Hihiko (Early Bird)
$35 Pakeke (Adult)
$33 Kaumatua (Senior) | Gold Card may be required
$33 Hapori (Community services card holders/ Equity members) | Community services card and Equity card may be required
$33 Tauira (Student) | Student ID required
$28 Rangatahi (13-18yrs)
$33 Rōpū (6+) | When booking 6 groups or more
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
CycleThere is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus & trainBus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
ParkingFollow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time. 
Our Bar serves a full range of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) and snacks.
Our Kauta will be open for tasty bites before the show including steamed hāngī buns from The Hāngī Master, a vegetarian platter and a selection from ‘I Love Pies’.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.
