MichaelHurstNow

Just 2 weeks until the start of HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS, playwright Fiona Samuel recently talked with Jesse Mulligan on @radionz about how she conceived and developed the play. Listen: rnz.co.nz/national/progr… Jennifer stars as Helen Clark. Info/book: #about" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">atc.co.nz/whats-on/2026-…

15 years ago, Michael and Jennifer were among the founders of The @ActorsProgram, an actor training program in Auckland. They are also members of the Artistic Board. It is now fundraising to help secure the future of the Program. Info/donate: givealittle.co.nz/cause/15-dolla…

Michael did a fun, energy-filled episode of the XENA: WARRIOR NUTBALLS podcast. Stories about his time on H:TJ & Xena as actor & director. Podcaster comment: "He's a beautiful, beautiful human being … this big, lion-hearted, creative genius, really" youtube.com/watch?v=J54yvU…

PRIMA FACIE review: "Capacity audience well engaged by strong performance … played strongly by Cassandra Woodhouse … the stuff of potent theatre". #capacity-audience-well-engaged-by-strong-performance-of-unremitting-truth-dedicated-to-change" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">theatreview.org.nz/production/pri… Touring thru March; info/tix: nztheatrecompany.com Next stops: Oamaru, Queenstown Michael directed.

PRIMA FACIE review: "Cassandra Woodhouse is, without a doubt, an absolute powerhouse … Go see the show" #confronting-honest-and-raw-shared-beautifully-skilfully-and-with-ease" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">theatreview.org.nz/production/pri… Touring thru March; info/tix: nztheatrecompany.com Michael directed.

Jennifer will star in HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS (by Fiona Samuels) for @AkldTheatreCo, 7-26 April. A "funny and occasionally shocking insight into the personal and public compromises and costs she withstood in her inexorable rise in power". Info/book: atc.co.nz/.../2026.../he…

Jennifer (Boudica on “The Deliverer,” Zehra on “The Play’s the Thing") was interviewed on the XENA WARRIOR NUTBALLS podcast. She talks about getting cast, working on the show, being an actor in NZ, and her other work. On podcast networks and @YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=7l7wQz…

Coming to you on Friday, Perth. Don't miss it! Info/tix: perthfestival.com.au/program/season…

Michael is Headmaster Sutherland in new series FEELINGS CLUB. Set in intense Hawkesworth College, it shows how students deal with pressure. 29 short form episodes. Premiers tomorrow at 11 am on @instagram, @YouTube and @tiktok. New eps Wed & Sun. Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=Jkm1B6…

Today's the day, Ireland! See BIRTHRIGHT at Dublin International Film Festival. Info/book: diff.ie/programme/birt…

Michael is working with Cassandra Woodhouse, directing rehearsals of her solo play PRIMA FACIE by Suzie Miller, which she will be touring with Arts on Tour NZ in March. Info/itinerary: auckland.scoop.co.nz/2026/01/award-…

Michael and Jennifer have had to cancel their previously announced appearance at the @CreationEnt Xena convention in October. Here is info about the convention, including information for anyone who has bought photo op or autograph tickets with them: creationent.com/events/xena/

Michael directed the 2-part season finale of MY LIFE IS MURDER. "The One That Got Away" features guest star Craig Parker as Alexa's former police partner. Also guest-starring Fern Sutherland. Part 1 will be on @AcornTV from 16 Feb.

As BIRTHRIGHT continues its journey around the world's film festivals – the next stop will be the Dublin International Film Festival on 20 February. Info/book: diff.ie/programme/birt… BIRTHRIGHT was named one of the 10 best Australian films of 2025.

Michael and Jennifer's 2-hander play IN OTHER WORDS is a finalist for a Dunedin Theatre Award. "Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand play them to perfection … a full house … Applause was prolonged and appreciative"/OtagoDailyTimes

Jennifer stars in the world premiere of HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS @AkldTheatreCo 7-26 April. "devilishly witty … fast paced, tightly woven, humorous insight into the life of Helen Clark." Press release: auckland.scoop.co.nz/2026/01/helen-… Tix on sale Monday: atc.co.nz/whats-on/2026-…

On 7 September, Michael will be giving a Creative Talk on THE LIFE OF AN ACTOR at @thepumphouse. Free. Don't wait to reserve your spot. pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/…

Jennifer was recently on @1NewsNZ talking about the threat to artists' careers from the unethical use of AI. 1news.co.nz/2025/12/27/acc…

BIRTHRIGHT has been named one of the 10 best Australian films of 2025 by @ScreenHub: screenhub.com.au/news/features/… It continues its festival journey at Perth Festival on 27 February 2026. Info/book: perthfestival.com.au/.../season-202…

The gods bless us with the impending awesomeness of Ep 3 of Spartacus: House of Ashur! Written by the incomparable Sid Quashie and directed by our old friend Michael Hurst! Plus an extra helping of hunky Graham McTavish! #SpartacusHouseofAshur