Alison Quigan

Alison Marie Quigan QSM (born 1952)^[1] is a New Zealand actress, director and playwright.

Biography

In 1978, Quigan trained at the Theatre Corporate Actors School in Auckland.^[2] She has worked as an actor in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch, and appearing in or directed more than 130 plays.^[2] She has also written 12 plays, either as sole playwright or with writing partners Ross Gumbley and Lucy Schmidt.^[2]

Quigan was the artistic director of Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North for 18 years from 1986 to 2004 where she directed over 60 plays.^[3] From 2004 until 2011, Quigan appeared on the New Zealand television series Shortland Street.^[2] She has been performing arts manager at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu O Uenuku since 2013.^[4] In an interview with Michele Hewitson from The New Zealand Herald, Quigan is described as "a little-known power house of influence".^[1]

Quigan has two grown children. Her daughter, actor Sarah Graham, made her Centrepoint Theatre debut in the 2009 production of Quigan's play Ladies for Hire.^[2]

Awards and honours

In the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours, Quigan was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for public services.^[5]

Plays

• 1994 – Five Go Barmy in Palmy (with Ross Gumbley) ^[6]
• 1995 – Biggles on Top (with Ross Gumbley) ^[7]
• 1997 – Boys at the Beach (with Ross Gumbley) ^[8]
• 1998 – Shop Till You Drop (with Ross Gumbley) ^[9]
• 1999 – The Newbury Hall Dances (with Ross Gumbley) later "Flagons and Foxtrots" ^[10]
• 2000 – The Big OE (with Ross Gumbley) ^[11]
• 2001 – Sisters (with Lucy Schmidt) ^[12]
• 2002 – Netballers (with Lucy Schmidt) ^[13]
• 2003 – The School Ball ^[14]
• 2004 – Mum's Choir ^[15]
• 2004 – Girls Weekend Escape ^[16]
• 2009 – Ladies for Hire ^[17]

She also acted as Henrietta Knowby (normal form) in Ash Vs. Evil Dead Season 2. Additionally, she played the customer "Karen" in Viva la Dirt League's "Karen Vs Manager" and "Karen wants a showdown - Karen returns".

References

1. Hewitson, Michele. "Michele Hewitson interview: Alison Quigan". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
2. "Alison Quigan". Creative Giants. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
3. "Alson Quigan". NZ on Screen. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
4. "Alison Quigan". Actors Equity. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
5. "Queen's Birthday honours list 2001". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 4 June 2001. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
6. Ross, John (24 November 1994). "Blyton's five good for kids". The Dominion.
7. "Ladies for Hire". Theatreview. 23 April 2016.
8. Hawes, Peter (30 November 1997). "Unbiased view of matey celebration". Sunday Star Times.
9. Ross, John (19 November 1998). "You can't beat a bit of retail therapy". The Dominion.
10. Hawes, Peter (14 November 1999). "Hall dances to a nostalgic beat". Sunday Star Times.
11. Amery, Mark (9 December 2000). "Mnawatuisms". New Zealand Listener.
12. Ross, John (16 July 2001). "A strong cast given scope". The Dominion.
13. Smythe, John (19 July 2002). "Homegrown play finds comedy in netballers". National Business Review.
14. Hawes, Peter. "All the fun of the school ball". Manawatu Standard.
15. "Ladies for hire". Theatreview. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
16. "Manawatu delights in homegrown fare". National Business Review. 9 December 2004.
17. Mays, Richard. "The Ghost of Christmas Present". Manawatu Standard.