"Those of us in New Zealand interested in live theater used to rely on shows put on by companies coming on tour from London. Over the last 30 years, all that has changed. Provincial professional theater groups grew up overnight. New Zealand now has its own flourishing theater," said Colin McCulloch.
He is a New Zealander who was born and brought up in Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost town. In a sheep and farming area, Invercargill has strong Scottish associations that go back to the days of early settlement. The settlement became a city only in 1930.
"My father used to take me to concerts that were presented by Scottish singers," Colin said. "He used to embarrass me by singing along in the back row." Otherwise, Colin had little experience of stage shows.