Name: Social Animal - Arrowtown
Start: 2026-06-19T09:30:00+12:00
Location: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall

In an era where a single post can shatter a life, this solo tour de force uses a sharp, satirical edge to explore the fragility of fame and the unexpected paths to redemption.
Presented in association with Greyhounds as Pets, Social Animal highlights a timely connection to the New Zealand racing industry’s upcoming closure in July 2026, and the thousands of dogs seeking new lives beyond the track.

Actor Joe Quigley was the face of Parks, the nation’s favourite TV detective—until one reckless comment cost him everything. With his career, marriage, and reputation in ruins, the last thing Joe needs is a stray, neurotic ex-racing greyhound following him home.

But as Joe navigates life on the other side of fame, he discovers that this ill-disciplined dog and a quirky community of local walkers might be exactly what he needs to solve his own life’s greatest mystery: who is he without the spotlight?

Biting satire and theatre wizardry fuse as award-winning actor Stephen Papps inhabits a rich menagerie of characters—human and canine alike—with beguiling virtuosity. Created by Papps and Damon Andrews, the production arrives with widespread critical acclaim.

Cate Prestidge from Theatreview describes Social Animal as “glorious,” noting it is “impressive for a performer to embody a big range of characters … well-written and full of humorous insights and revelations!”