The Tavern opens at Tivoli

Door sales for The Tavern at the Tivoli Theatre went on sale in March and sold out within a week, said director Matt Hicks.“We are now getting approached by cinemas around the nation to play it.”

The premiere was held after The News went to press but 280 invited guests were expected for the 5.30pm and 7.30pm sessions.

One of the surprises came when The Dudes song ‘Bliss’ comes on in the movie. Attendees will be urged to stand up, have a sip of a specially brewed beer and dance in the theatre.

That’s a wrap on The Tavern movie.

Hicks – a Cambridge High School old boy as well as DJ, wedding celebrant, actor and director – wrote, produced and stars as one of five small town guys who race against time to save their beloved run-down tavern.

Writer Producer Matt Hicks

The movie, made with the assistance of Creative Waikato, was filmed at The Masonic before its transformation into a high-class hotel, Hautapu industrial area and The Stables. It featured several Waipā residents  including jockeys Danielle Johnson, Matt Cameron, Michael McNabb, Vinny Colgan and Troy Harris.

Sporting people including former All Black Brendon Leonard, Māori All Black Dwayne Sweeny and football coach Ricki Herbert also feature.

New Zealand Idol winner Ben Lummis, who lives in Cambridge, also featured in the cast, playing himself.

Chris the lawyer, a key role in the movie, is played by Andrew Lyall another former Cambridge High School student who auditioned at the Masonic when Hicks put a call out through The News for cast members.

Meanwhile The Masonic, now refurbished and renamed The Clements, opens soon, according to the company’s publicity. It has 29 bedrooms, conference facilities, bars and a signature restaurant.

See: Film producer hopes to put Cambridge on the map

See: Cambridge film taking shape 

See: Bee warned: it’s a slasher flick

See: Home kill with a difference

See: Meat and greet at the movies

Cambridge local Andrew Lyall who plays Chris the Lawyer