Award-winning actor Alison Bruce is one of the country’s most versatile and experienced stage and screen actors.
Starting her career at Theatre Corporate and Mercury Theatre in the '80s, she’s since appeared in theatre shows with Silo, ATC and Red Leap. On screen she’s appeared in both local and international productions including Top of the Lake, The Gulf, One Lane Bridge and The Power of the Dog.
Now, her latest role sees her take on one of her most challenging yet.
Appearing in The Dry House by Eugene O’Hare, the family drama is set in the town of Newry in Northern Ireland. Alison plays Chrissy; a grieving mother battling addiction who agrees to go to rehab after one final drink with her sister.
Directed by Isla Macleod, Bruce stars alongside Beatriz Romilly and Zoe Crane in this moving and darkly comical piece. The show first opened in Marylebone Theatre in London in 2023.
Alison Bruce speaks to Culture 101 about learning a Newry accent and portraying the character of Chrissy in an authentic way.
The Dry House is at The Basement Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau from 4-15th November.
