25/02/2026
Social Climbers: A Hilarious Ascent at Theatre Hawke’s Bay
Audiences heading to Theatre Hawke’s Bay are in for a sparkling night of laughter as Social Climbers, the much‑loved comedy by Roger Hall, takes to the stage. Sharp, witty and unmistakably Kiwi, this play proves once again why Hall is a master at finding humour in the everyday—and the not‑so‑comfortable truths we’d rather keep hidden.
Set in a remote mountain hut, Social Climbers brings together a group of women who set out for a simple bushwalking escape and instead find themselves stranded together with time on their hands and nowhere to hide. What unfolds is a deliciously funny pressure cooker of personalities, confessions and clashes, where the comedy bubbles up through perfectly timed one‑liners, awkward silences and gloriously recognisable behaviour.
The characters are the heart of the show. Each woman arrives with her own carefully constructed image, only for the hut’s close quarters to chip away at the façade. There’s the flamboyant drama queen who thrives on attention, the calm voice of reason who may not be quite as together as she seems, the relentlessly upbeat optimist, and those quietly simmering types whose truths eventually erupt to great comic effect. Add a reluctant younger companion to the mix and the generational sparks fly even brighter.
Hall’s genius lies in how he balances big laughs with genuine warmth. The comedy never feels cruel; instead, it invites the audience to laugh in recognition. We see our friends, our colleagues—and perhaps ourselves—reflected on stage, muddling through relationships, ambitions and insecurities with humour and heart.
Director Carol Williams states, “As a teacher myself, I’m used to guiding others through challenges—but this time, I have the joy of directing a play that turns the spotlight back on educators themselves.”
Fast‑paced, character‑driven and laugh‑out‑loud funny, Social Climbers is the perfect night out: a clever comedy that entertains while gently skewering social pretensions. Theatre Hawke’s Bay audiences should prepare for a joyful climb filled with laughter, surprises and a very satisfying view from the top.
Onstage at Theatre HB, 12-24th March, Bookings can be made through www.iticket.co.nz
The cast from left to right: Kylie Vanston, Katrina Godderz, Neressa Shunmugam, Paula Wray, Isoabella Comber and Sandra Alseban.
