Michael Hurst Now
@michaelhurstnow.bsky.social
All about NZ acting/directing couple Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand. I share the news they send me. Follow to be in the know!
This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
November 9, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Michael and Jennifer, along with Bret McKenzie and Jamie McCaskill, will star in the Circa Variety Show, a fundraiser for Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
October 27, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Michael and Jennifer, along with Bret McKenzie and Jamie McCaskill, will star in the Circa Variety Show, a fundraiser for Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
The 23 November Jubilation choir performance – featuring guest artists Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa – has sold out. A 3pm matinee has now been added.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
October 21, 2025 at 8:12 PM
The 23 November Jubilation choir performance – featuring guest artists Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa – has sold out. A 3pm matinee has now been added.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Short film GOOD PEOPLE has its world premier today at Byron Bay Film Festival. It stars Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach, directed by Fernando Hart.
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
October 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Short film GOOD PEOPLE has its world premier today at Byron Bay Film Festival. It stars Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach, directed by Fernando Hart.
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
October 15, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
Michael joins Michèle A’Court, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jeremy Elwood, Liv Tennet, Stephen Papps, Acacia O’Connor and Tough Tiger Fist in a fundraiser for VOICES FOR PALESTINE: "Through performance, comedy, & music, we’ll celebrate humanity & hope"
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
October 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Michael joins Michèle A’Court, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jeremy Elwood, Liv Tennet, Stephen Papps, Acacia O’Connor and Tough Tiger Fist in a fundraiser for VOICES FOR PALESTINE: "Through performance, comedy, & music, we’ll celebrate humanity & hope"
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
More to see at Byron Bay Film Festival! BIRTHRIGHT is the opening night feature film (17 Oct), but you can also enjoy the world premiere of short film GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Fernando Hart and starring Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach.
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
October 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
More to see at Byron Bay Film Festival! BIRTHRIGHT is the opening night feature film (17 Oct), but you can also enjoy the world premiere of short film GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Fernando Hart and starring Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach.
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
Jennifer will be a reader of historical letters from the Turnbull Library. LETTERS OUT LOUD, National Library, 18 October.
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
September 29, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Jennifer will be a reader of historical letters from the Turnbull Library. LETTERS OUT LOUD, National Library, 18 October.
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
Jennifer will be singing with Jubilation choir, along with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika_Moa, in JUBILATION AT THE HOLLYWOOD on 23 November.
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
September 25, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Jennifer will be singing with Jubilation choir, along with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika_Moa, in JUBILATION AT THE HOLLYWOOD on 23 November.
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
Michael's had an extremely busy year.
Performing in films:
THE PARTY (short)
SMOKY
Performing in:
IN OTHER WORDS (tour)
THE GOLDEN ASS
Directing:
CHICAGO (tour)
I DIDN'T INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
Directing:
MY LIFE IS MURDER (2 eps)
A break at last, on holiday with Jennifer in Europe.
Performing in films:
THE PARTY (short)
SMOKY
Performing in:
IN OTHER WORDS (tour)
THE GOLDEN ASS
Directing:
CHICAGO (tour)
I DIDN'T INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
Directing:
MY LIFE IS MURDER (2 eps)
A break at last, on holiday with Jennifer in Europe.
September 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Michael's had an extremely busy year.
Performing in films:
THE PARTY (short)
SMOKY
Performing in:
IN OTHER WORDS (tour)
THE GOLDEN ASS
Directing:
CHICAGO (tour)
I DIDN'T INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
Directing:
MY LIFE IS MURDER (2 eps)
A break at last, on holiday with Jennifer in Europe.
Performing in films:
THE PARTY (short)
SMOKY
Performing in:
IN OTHER WORDS (tour)
THE GOLDEN ASS
Directing:
CHICAGO (tour)
I DIDN'T INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
Directing:
MY LIFE IS MURDER (2 eps)
A break at last, on holiday with Jennifer in Europe.
Michael directed the 2-part season finale of MY LIFE IS MURDER. Part 1 airs this Sunday at 8:30 on TVNZ 1. Guest star Craig Parker plays an old foe who Alexa runs into while on holiday in Fiji. Also guest-starring Fern Sutherland.
September 9, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Michael directed the 2-part season finale of MY LIFE IS MURDER. Part 1 airs this Sunday at 8:30 on TVNZ 1. Guest star Craig Parker plays an old foe who Alexa runs into while on holiday in Fiji. Also guest-starring Fern Sutherland.
Hey, hey, WA! Don't delay!
The CinefestOZ BIRTHRIGHT Film Premiere Event is Friday. Get tix here: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
"black, absurdist humor … The father and son’s relationship, colored in fifty shades of toxic, is at the core of this impressive debut"/Olga Artemyeva
The CinefestOZ BIRTHRIGHT Film Premiere Event is Friday. Get tix here: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
"black, absurdist humor … The father and son’s relationship, colored in fifty shades of toxic, is at the core of this impressive debut"/Olga Artemyeva
September 1, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Hey, hey, WA! Don't delay!
The CinefestOZ BIRTHRIGHT Film Premiere Event is Friday. Get tix here: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
"black, absurdist humor … The father and son’s relationship, colored in fifty shades of toxic, is at the core of this impressive debut"/Olga Artemyeva
The CinefestOZ BIRTHRIGHT Film Premiere Event is Friday. Get tix here: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
"black, absurdist humor … The father and son’s relationship, colored in fifty shades of toxic, is at the core of this impressive debut"/Olga Artemyeva
CHICAGO review: "Dazzling show hits bulls-eye …spectacular performance … the acting is thoroughly professional … dancing [and] stunning acrobatics [ ] were always flawless and spectacularly effortless … brilliantly executed"/Otago Daily Times
www.odt.co.nz/entertainmen...
www.odt.co.nz/entertainmen...
August 31, 2025 at 7:59 PM
CHICAGO review: "Dazzling show hits bulls-eye …spectacular performance … the acting is thoroughly professional … dancing [and] stunning acrobatics [ ] were always flawless and spectacularly effortless … brilliantly executed"/Otago Daily Times
www.odt.co.nz/entertainmen...
www.odt.co.nz/entertainmen...
BIRTHRIGHT is one of four finalists for the $100,000 film prize at CinefestOZ. Next Friday its Film Premiere Event will be at Reading Cinema Busselton. Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=npmg...
Info/tix: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
Michael plays Richard: "Hurst is the standout"/FilmForward
Info/tix: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
Michael plays Richard: "Hurst is the standout"/FilmForward
August 27, 2025 at 10:10 PM
BIRTHRIGHT is one of four finalists for the $100,000 film prize at CinefestOZ. Next Friday its Film Premiere Event will be at Reading Cinema Busselton. Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=npmg...
Info/tix: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
Michael plays Richard: "Hurst is the standout"/FilmForward
Info/tix: cinefestoz.com/sessions/fil...
Michael plays Richard: "Hurst is the standout"/FilmForward
Auckland – check! Christchurch – check! It's your turn, Dunedin.
CHICAGO is at the Regent Theatre this Friday and Saturday. www.regenttheatre.co.nz/project/chic...
"What a cast! … A showcase … embraces Chicago’s history, glamour, and moral complexities … I am going again"/Theatreview
CHICAGO is at the Regent Theatre this Friday and Saturday. www.regenttheatre.co.nz/project/chic...
"What a cast! … A showcase … embraces Chicago’s history, glamour, and moral complexities … I am going again"/Theatreview
August 26, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Auckland – check! Christchurch – check! It's your turn, Dunedin.
CHICAGO is at the Regent Theatre this Friday and Saturday. www.regenttheatre.co.nz/project/chic...
"What a cast! … A showcase … embraces Chicago’s history, glamour, and moral complexities … I am going again"/Theatreview
CHICAGO is at the Regent Theatre this Friday and Saturday. www.regenttheatre.co.nz/project/chic...
"What a cast! … A showcase … embraces Chicago’s history, glamour, and moral complexities … I am going again"/Theatreview
Last chance, Christchurch! After a sold-out weekend, the late-added Tues performance of CHICAGO still has some tickets available: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"Bold, confident … flawless … Everyone up there is a total star … one of the most dazzling shows I’ve ever seen"/Theatreview
"Bold, confident … flawless … Everyone up there is a total star … one of the most dazzling shows I’ve ever seen"/Theatreview
August 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Last chance, Christchurch! After a sold-out weekend, the late-added Tues performance of CHICAGO still has some tickets available: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"Bold, confident … flawless … Everyone up there is a total star … one of the most dazzling shows I’ve ever seen"/Theatreview
"Bold, confident … flawless … Everyone up there is a total star … one of the most dazzling shows I’ve ever seen"/Theatreview
Just a handful of tickets available for the CHICAGO weekend performances, better selection for the recently-added Tuesday show. Get tix here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
August 22, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Just a handful of tickets available for the CHICAGO weekend performances, better selection for the recently-added Tuesday show. Get tix here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
Ok, Christchurch. Now it's your turn. CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL opens tonight at Isaac Theatre Royal.
Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"must see … seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"/Michael Hooper, Theatreview
"truly spectacular show"/ Chris Lynch
Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"must see … seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"/Michael Hooper, Theatreview
"truly spectacular show"/ Chris Lynch
August 17, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Ok, Christchurch. Now it's your turn. CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL opens tonight at Isaac Theatre Royal.
Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"must see … seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"/Michael Hooper, Theatreview
"truly spectacular show"/ Chris Lynch
Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
"must see … seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"/Michael Hooper, Theatreview
"truly spectacular show"/ Chris Lynch
95%! That's something you don't see every day.
Take the hint, Christchurch. Don't wait to book. Opens Sunday (next weekend is nearly sold out already): premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
Take the hint, Christchurch. Don't wait to book. Opens Sunday (next weekend is nearly sold out already): premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
August 13, 2025 at 10:46 PM
95%! That's something you don't see every day.
Take the hint, Christchurch. Don't wait to book. Opens Sunday (next weekend is nearly sold out already): premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
Take the hint, Christchurch. Don't wait to book. Opens Sunday (next weekend is nearly sold out already): premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a...
Fabulous CHICAGO closing night Saturday! Huge response from the audience – laughs, gasps, claps, oohs & ahs, beginning to end.
You're next Christchurch. 17-26 August, Isaac Theatre Royal. Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a....
Only a handful of tickets left for some dates. Don't wait!
You're next Christchurch. 17-26 August, Isaac Theatre Royal. Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a....
Only a handful of tickets left for some dates. Don't wait!
August 10, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Fabulous CHICAGO closing night Saturday! Huge response from the audience – laughs, gasps, claps, oohs & ahs, beginning to end.
You're next Christchurch. 17-26 August, Isaac Theatre Royal. Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a....
Only a handful of tickets left for some dates. Don't wait!
You're next Christchurch. 17-26 August, Isaac Theatre Royal. Info/book: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.a....
Only a handful of tickets left for some dates. Don't wait!
Auckland! CHICAGO closes Saturday. A few single tix available for the final shows.
You're next, Chch. Isaac Theatre Royal 17-26 August.
Info/book: isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/event-chicag...
"truly spectacular show … I can’t wait to see this show again at the Isaac Theatre Royal"/Chris Lynch
You're next, Chch. Isaac Theatre Royal 17-26 August.
Info/book: isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/event-chicag...
"truly spectacular show … I can’t wait to see this show again at the Isaac Theatre Royal"/Chris Lynch
August 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Auckland! CHICAGO closes Saturday. A few single tix available for the final shows.
You're next, Chch. Isaac Theatre Royal 17-26 August.
Info/book: isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/event-chicag...
"truly spectacular show … I can’t wait to see this show again at the Isaac Theatre Royal"/Chris Lynch
You're next, Chch. Isaac Theatre Royal 17-26 August.
Info/book: isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/event-chicag...
"truly spectacular show … I can’t wait to see this show again at the Isaac Theatre Royal"/Chris Lynch
CHICAGO closes Saturday! Discount Tues & Wed: www.ticketmaster.co.nz/chicago-tour...
"seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"
"truly spectacular show"
"boisterous, energetic & confident production"
"What a cast! … I am going again"
"daring, playful … packed with all that jazz"
"seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"
"truly spectacular show"
"boisterous, energetic & confident production"
"What a cast! … I am going again"
"daring, playful … packed with all that jazz"
August 4, 2025 at 7:41 PM
CHICAGO closes Saturday! Discount Tues & Wed: www.ticketmaster.co.nz/chicago-tour...
"seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"
"truly spectacular show"
"boisterous, energetic & confident production"
"What a cast! … I am going again"
"daring, playful … packed with all that jazz"
"seditious, delicious, raunchy, racy, rambunctious riot"
"truly spectacular show"
"boisterous, energetic & confident production"
"What a cast! … I am going again"
"daring, playful … packed with all that jazz"
Tonight's the night! CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL opens at Bruce MasonCentre. Jackie Clarke (Mama Morton), Nomi Cohen (Roxie Hart), Lily Bourne (Velma Kelly), Joel Tobeck (Billy Flynn), Andy Grainger (Amos Hart). Michael directed.
Article on Scoop: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU25...
Cast list:
Article on Scoop: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU25...
Cast list:
July 30, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Tonight's the night! CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL opens at Bruce MasonCentre. Jackie Clarke (Mama Morton), Nomi Cohen (Roxie Hart), Lily Bourne (Velma Kelly), Joel Tobeck (Billy Flynn), Andy Grainger (Amos Hart). Michael directed.
Article on Scoop: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU25...
Cast list:
Article on Scoop: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU25...
Cast list:
Alexa (@reallucylawlesshq.bsky.social) is back! Season 5 of MY LIFE IS MURDER premieres in NZ at 8:30 pm on Sunday 3 August on TVNZ1.
Michael directed the last two episodes.
Michael directed the last two episodes.
July 23, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Alexa (@reallucylawlesshq.bsky.social) is back! Season 5 of MY LIFE IS MURDER premieres in NZ at 8:30 pm on Sunday 3 August on TVNZ1.
Michael directed the last two episodes.
Michael directed the last two episodes.
On 7 August, Jennifer will be reading Maurice Gee's short story SCHOOLDAYS as part of the Writers Write: Actors Read program.
The Nix, Grey Lynn, 7 pm.
Info/book: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/writers...
The Nix, Grey Lynn, 7 pm.
Info/book: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/writers...
July 20, 2025 at 9:42 PM
On 7 August, Jennifer will be reading Maurice Gee's short story SCHOOLDAYS as part of the Writers Write: Actors Read program.
The Nix, Grey Lynn, 7 pm.
Info/book: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/writers...
The Nix, Grey Lynn, 7 pm.
Info/book: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/writers...