Jane Waddell

Jane has been an integral part of the fabric of the Wellington theatre scene since she graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School four decades ago.

Much of her work has been at Circa, although when Downstage was at its zenith, she also played a wide variety of roles on the Hannah Playhouse stage.

Acting highlights include Isobel in Middle Age Spread her first role at Circa, the bleeding bride in Salvation Road (Circa) Judy in Sore Throats (Circa) Iris in Wednesday to Come (Downstage) Rose in Joyful and Triumphant (Circa) and Mattie Fae in August: Osage County (Circa)

Ten or so years ago, she began to focus more on directing. Her first production on Circa's main stage, was Gary Henderson's Home Land, which scooped the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 2007. Another highlight is Peninsula, also by Gary Henderson. Other personal favourites include Year of the Rat by Roy smiles (Circa Two) and Dean Parker's The Tigers of Wrath (Circa Two).

In 2016 she directed The ACB With Honora Lee, which she adapted from the Kate de Goldi book of the same name. In May 2019, she brought her adaptation of Margaret Mahy's Notes of a Bag Lady - a solo show called I Am Not Margaret Mahy -to Bats Theatre.

She's also a well-known name on National Radio and has featured in a number of television comedies and dramas.