Ash: Ashley Thorndyke - Work in Progress

This film records the devising of a “work in progress” by theatre director Ashley Thorndyke (Jason Hoyte). The concept — by Duncan Sarkies (Two Little Boys, Scarfies) — mocks the gamut of thesp and drama school cliches: from ‘wanky’ director to wacky warm-up exercises (animal impersonations, primal screams, Love Boat theme song). Peter Burger, fresh out of Broadcasting School, co-directs, and the willing cast is drawn from the 1990s Wellington theatre scene orbiting around BATS and Victoria University. Future Conchord Jemaine Clement memorably learns to get loose. 

Really stretch … and I want you to grab that sun and I want you to pull it down, and I want you to pull it down … into the very essence of your stomach, the soul. Bring it down, pull it down — that big warm glowing ball — bring it down, into the stomach, hold it in the stomach, and say ‘I am The Sun!’

– Ashley (Jason Hoyte) gets warm up exercises rolling

Key Cast & Crew

Jemaine Clement

As: Eli

Peter Burger

Co-Director, Editor, Camera

Duncan Sarkies

Co-Director, Camera

Phil McMurtrie

As: Abel

Justin Telford

As: Miriam

Jonny Brugh

As: Felipe