Mark Wright’s deft touch and clever dialogue makes The Voices of Gallipoli a show not to miss

Mark Wright plays a war veteran, a lieutenant colonel, an army doctor, a beloved son. Each symbolised by a different piece of headwear, the characters are more than just a monologue on a stage. They are more than just stories and words, however poignant; they are people.

Inspired by real-life stories, the men who are revealed on-stage not only give an insight into who they were and what they were doing, they tell the stories of others like them, others who may not have been as lucky; others who may be missing them back home.

With a deft hand, Mark balances the sombre stories with humour. From the out-of-touch British Army general, the glass-half-full Aussie reciting poetry, and the recognisable Kiwi who brings light in dark times, the dialogue of each monologue is expertly crafted. The actor’s quivering lip, shaky-yet-clear speech, and tearful eyes are a showcase of how good theatre can provide more than just a 90-minute injection of entertainment. It can engage and educate, perhaps even more so than modern blockbusters that attract millions and earn just as much.

Sparsely but precisely staged, hilarious, and gut wrenchingly moving, if there’s any ancestry in your past that spans back to this conflict, and anything in your DNA that relates to sacrifice, loss, suffering and heroism, this is the play for you.  90 minutes of sageness and savagery that will get you thinking not just about our nation’s past, but how much things really don’t change

Mark, who has starred in almost 40 different television series including What Now and Shortland Street, will perform his one-man play at 16th Ave Theatre over Anzac weekend.   Be sure to come and see this amazing piece of live theatre. 

https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/apr/voices-from-gallipoli