Grand production to tell Waipu story

The Grand Pageant of Waipu tells the incredible story of the migration of 1000 Gaelic-speaking Scottish Highlanders who, after being moved from their native highlands by the notorious Highland Clearances, migrated to Waipu via Nova Scotia in the 1850s. 

The pageant will be staged outdoors on land near where the first settlers landed, telling the story of a remarkable migration that spanned more than 30 years and several continents. 

The saga centres around a band of hardy individuals led by an indomitable minister, Rev. McLeod, who refused to give up hope that they would eventually find their ‘promised land’. It also highlights one family’s account of the journey – with all its personal tragedy, drama and comic elements. 

Directing the production is Lachie McLean, himself a direct descendant of one of the first migrant families to Waipu.

Lachie needs little introduction to Northland audiences. Most locals know the dairy farmer who is known for his direction of musicals such as My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Cabaret, Les Miserables, Cats and Miss Saigon.

This is the second Waipu pageant Lachie has both written and directed, and it is of epic proportions he says. 

“We have designed it around the lighting, with four towers that project technologically sophisticated lights and images never seen before in the North,” says Lachie. “A display like this would have been impossible 10 years ago.” 

“No other town in New Zealand has been bold enough to invest the amount of money we have in the sound and lighting design,” Lachie says.

The two performances have a budget of almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars. 

Oceania, the company behind the technology involved, designed the Rugby World Cup ceremonies in Auckland last year. According to the Oceania team, this event is the largest of its kind ever staged outside an urban centre.

Once the sun sets and darkness descends the magic will begin. 

“Expect the works,” says Waipu Museum manager Patsy Montgomery. “This will be the most spectacular outdoor event ever staged in Northland.” 

Activity is carried out on stages on both sides of the Waihoihoi River and the land beyond. The river also becomes a stage – expect spine-chilling action on the water as well.

Only two performances of the pageant will be given January 11/12, on the banks of Waihoihoi River.  Audiences are invited to bring a picnic, rugs and cushions from 7pm to enjoy pre-performance entertainment and the last of the summer sun. The show starts at 9pm. Tickets may be obtained from the Waipu Museum, phone (09) 432 0746.