SHOW INFORMATION
SOCIAL ANIMAL
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks… can you?
Actor Joe Quigley was the nation’s favourite TV detective – until one reckless comment cost him his career, marriage and carefully curated public image.
Then a stray greyhound follows him home. Can Quigley find room in his heart for a neurotic animal with insecurity issues almost as big as his own?
As Joe navigates life on the other side of fame, he discovers that this ill-disciplined dog and a quirky community of local walkers might be exactly what he needs to solve his own life’s greatest mystery: who is he without the spotlight?
Biting satire and theatre wizardry fuse as award-winning actor Stephen Papps inhabits a rich menagerie of characters—human and canine alike—with beguiling virtuosity. Created by Papps and Damon Andrews, the production arrives in Dunedin with widespread critical acclaim.
“Priceless… wonderful. One out of the box; a winner.”
— John Smythe, Theatreview
“Well written, full of humorous insights and revelations. Glorious!”
— Cate Prestidge, Theatreview
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Stephen Papps brings over 35 years of experience across stage, screen, and solo performances. A Best Actor winner at the NZ Film Awards (End of the Golden Weather), Papps recently appeared in Pike River. For his solo show Blowing It (1999-2015) he received critical acclaim around the world and a nomination for best actor at the Chapman Tripp theatre awards. Social Animal marks his fourth self-written solo work.
Damon Andrews (Co-writer/Director) has over 30 years of experience in television and theatre. Andrews spent 14 years running the story table for Shortland Street and has co-written international hits such as Wheeler’s Luck.
TICKET PRICING
THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2026. 7PM
CLARKSON STUDIO
GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
ADULT: $40 + booking fees
CONCESSION: $25 + booking fees
Tickets
House Information
Accessibility
Bar Service
Theatre Etiquette
- Please turn off all your electronic devices before you enter the Studio.
- If you have taken snacks from our bar back to your seat, try not to rustle when the house lights go down.
- If you are late to a show, get comfortable in our bar area until we can turn the house lights back on so you can find your seat.
- Camera flashes occasionally make performers stumble – over their lines or their feet – so we prefer that you don’t use flash (or any other) photography.
- Please keep your feet on the floor – someone counting the beat on the back of your seat can be distracting.
- Dancing in the aisles sounds like fun but it might make our Circle collapse. If you really need to dance (and it’s the right sort of show), please book seats in the Stalls or make your way out to the foyer.
- We encourage you to introduce your children to the arts, but please also teach them to watch and listen quietly and peacefully.
