KAUPAPA | ABOUT

Spin, win and grin in the ultimate throwback to Nan’s favourite fundraiser: Housie.

Ready? Eyes down — there’s a rogue new caller in town.

Armed with his nan’s handwritten instructions, first-time caller and full-time mischief-maker Rutene Spooner is now the accidental head honcho for the fundraising komiti’s final bash. But behind the rogue calls and meat-pack prizes is a cheeky, character-driven story with humour, nostalgia, and more than a little drama.

Packed with special guests, hard-case antics, classic Kiwi singalongs, and a kete full of prizes.

So rally your rowdiest cuzzies, chuck on your Sunday best, pour a dodgy sherry, and come play Hardcase Hori Housie—"just like a game of bingo… only brown."

ARTIST BIO

Rutene Spooner is a dynamic performer whose career spans musical theatre, cabaret, screen, and kapa haka. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) in 2009, he has performed in major productions including Billy Elliot (NZ premiere), Jersey Boys (AUS tour), Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, and Jekyll & Hyde (Australasian premiere) to name a few.

Described by the NZ Herald as “a mainstay of the Auckland cabaret scene,” Rutene is also known for his original works like Super Hugh-Man, Thoroughly Modern Māui, and Be Like Billy?, which have toured nationally and internationally.

He has voiced characters in Disney Reo Māori versions of Frozen, Coco, Encanto, and most recently Moana 2, and was awarded the 2023 Grant Tilly Actor of the Year at the Wellington Theatre Awards.

Beyond the stage, he works as a creative producer, director, and vocal coach. He is a proud member of the Modern Māori Quartet, a kaihaka with Te Kapa Haka o Whāngārā-Mai-Tāwhiti, and a proud union member of NZ Actors’ Equity.

NGĀ TĀNGATA | CAST & CREATIVES

Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Rutene Spooner

Stage Manager — Laura Kokaua