Spare time
There is an intensive programme of rehearsals during the week. However, there will be three free evenings (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) and two free afternoons (Wednesday and Friday).
Lunch and dinner at camp on the Tuesday, and dinner on the day of the cabaret, are included in all price packages, even for non-residents.
The cabaret
This venerable institution rivals the public concert as the highlight of the week for many Teapotters. Anyone and everyone is invited to present a short item, individually or with others, and the programme usually lasts about 1 ½ hours. Many memorable performances have been contributed over the years with wildly varying levels of sophistication and polish.
From spoofs of the conductor and/or vocal coach to recital-standard performances by stellar voice students via distinguished guests’ party tricks, readings of original poems, story-telling, not to mention madrigals and other early music performances by small groups, we have by turns been impressed beyond belief, moved to tears and laughed till we cried. Who could forget Sir David Willcocks playing the piano from underneath with crossed hands? Mike Brewer whistling and singing at the same time? Val’s very English bedtime stories? or David Beattie’s wild west skit with jazzman Fingers Artley at the piano?
It is an event not to be missed for performers and non-performers alike – you will be amazed at the hidden talents of your fellow choristers.
After-dinner games
There are a number of board and card games provided in the dining/common room after dinner and some Teapotters bring their own favourites to supplement the offerings. Alongside the gentle pursuits of giant jigsaw puzzles, fiercely competitive games of Scrabble, Upwords, Boggle and Pictionary have been known to continue well past any sensible bedtime. Many, of course, choose to simply relax and read.
There is no TV provided but there is free WiFi available in the common spaces.
Off campus
There are a number of pleasant walks requiring varying levels of fitness in the vicinity of the camp. One of the least demanding is a 45 minute walk into the nearby village of Brightwater where there are a couple of cafes, a bar, a Four Square and Royce McGlashen’s pottery, alongside the other normal services of a small rural village.
Further afield, there are markets, beaches, wineries, museums and art and craft galleries dotted about throughout the Nelson/Tasman district. To find out more you can visit the Nelson Tasman Tourism and Travel Guide.