Happiness

I stumbled across this when a friend recommended it, and thought "ugh sounds awful", but watched it and never looked back. I've watched the whole series multiple times now, because when I feel bad (and the state of the world feels very very heavy), I know an episode of this will make my heart sing. It's campy, hilarious and delightful all in one happy package. Also some globally familiar amateur theatre characters that make this a joy.

"32 Tata's" has entered my daily lexicon.

I sing "Troy Boy" to my dog. I know! But it makes me HAPPY! Even my husband chuckles and laughs all the way through an episode. I do feel like they would need at least another 10 episodes to really dig into some of the characters - if anything some of the episodes felt a bit short - I wanted to know more about their stories.

I am the biggest fan of New Zealand tv shows, at least the ones we can stream in the US. Whenever I see a new one, I can't wait to watch and enjoy, but honestly, this is the most inane one I've ever seen. And to think Rebecca Gibney signed on to this is beyond stunning. She is one of the finest actresses to ever grace the screen and has led many of the finest series ever made, but I had to do a double take when I thought I recognized her in the first scene. This show is pointless drivel. I don't know if it's trying to be a mix of Glee and Benny Hill or what. I finally turned it off near the end of the third episode when I asked myself, why on earth are you wasting time watching this?!!! Do yourself a favor and skip it. If you want to delight in a New Zealand series, try 800 Words or Brokenwood. If you want to delight in the spectacular work of Rebecca Gibney, try Packed to the Rafters, Under the Vines, Winter or Halifax Retribution.

Happiness is hilarious from the first minute. It takes a niche dive into the amateur theatre scene in New Zealand, portraying a host of eccentric characters who will be very familiar to anyone who has tread the amateur boards. It is campy and self aware, exaggerated in all the right places and with a good through-line of heart.

The cast are excellent, the jokes are well written and original and the choreography blends seamlessly into the storyline. It is an accurate reflection of Kiwi culture, taken from a fresh perspective.

Full of hilarious theatre Easter eggs, Happiness has real personality. Well worth a watch!

Kiwi comedy at its finest, with fab performances from a solid cast! A fun story of regional community theatre tied in with a laugh-a-minute series of jokes, Easter eggs, and heartwarming characters quickly bring you into the heart of it all. A seriously talented cast brings a tongue in cheek (mostly!) parody that showcases a couple of our gorgeous local theatres, this is for everyone!

Part of what makes this so special is the incredible original music that doesn't try to shoehorn its way into the show, but naturally flows in with the story. Warning: this show might be a gateway into community theatre...

Come to laugh at small town New Zealand, stay for the wholesome good times, laughs a minute and stars in the making.

Honestly this show really warmed my cold dead heart. I cannot wait to see more and am VERY eagerly awaiting the cast album because the music (as you'd hope in a show about a musical) is terrific!

Obviously you can't make a show about theatre without a.. well theatre! And the Dolphin makes a beautiful Pizazz theatre, even if it is a little far from Tauranga!

The actors are delightful, but a true standout is Melody Lui-Webster as "Mia" Her performance across the first two episodes alone leaves no doubt she is destined to become a star!

Watch Happiness NOW.