This production is a hilarious follow on of the book written by Wendy Steeds.
Dates: 06 to 09 July 2010
Venue: Repertory Theatre
Tickets available from Ticketek. Door sales available.
Continental Special Production
In June 2007 Original Scripts brought a truly unique piece of Theatre to Canterbury. Our Adult class’s 2007 mid year production was an amazing historical piece. It was the story of two young Christchurch men who invented, designed and raced a revolutionary race car in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The car was named the Continental Special and it was designed and built by Garry Mulholland and Tyrell Turtill. The car was revolutionary in so many ways, from the fact that it had a rear mounted 7 litre Continental Special Aero engine (the same sort of engine as used in Cessna planes) through to the design of the suspension and the processes they used in building the parts. They raced the car successfully at various racetracks, including Ruapuna and Wigram, from 1968 until they were both tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in February 1971. “The Continental Special : The Car that flew” is their story and is written by Garry Mulholland’s Sister – Canterbury Playwright Wendy Steeds. Original Scripts was also been blessed by input from internationally acclaimed singer and comedian Judy Glen, Tyrell’s sister. But the family connections do not end there. Both Garry’s youngest son and Wendy Steeds grandson performed in the play with Wendy's Grandson (Sam Steeds) playing the part of Garry. Both the car, and the story of Garry and Tyrell, are an important and well known part of the history of motor racing in Canterbury. TVNZ’s “Close up” screened a documentary on the story of the car, the tragedy of the boys death and a Sisters love. And how it all lead to the play being performed at the Repertory Theatre from June the 7th to the 9th. The show was a huge success with many people travelling from outside the Christchurch Region to see it.
Original Scripts would like to thank the families of Garry and Tyrell and we would like to express our sincerest thanks to all who attended the shows.
If you have memories or stories of Garry and Tryell and the Continental Special that you would like to share with us please email wendy thru the school.
Feedback from "The Continental Special"
Hi Wendy
I’d like to write to congratulate you, the cast and the production team of the Continental Special.
Being a member of the Trust doesn’t mean that I’m involved in the day-to-day happenings of the productions that the Trust is supporting. Thus when I had the pleasure of seeing this show, I was blown away, (as where the people I was with) by the skill of everyone on stage in producing such as emotional piece.
I’m writing to you all as I really wanted to express the impact such a performance has on the audience. I knew very little of the story that was being told and the people I was with knew nothing about the car or the family connections. But the great way it was portrayed to us by you as the writer and the great control of the actors, made for a very memorable experience that I am so glad to have had the pleasure of enjoying. You were all fantastic and although you’re moving onto the ‘next thing’, this show will stay with me for a long time. It’s such a pleasure to be able to say that I’m a Trustee of The Original Scripts Theatre Trust and we support such fantastic productions. Well done and thank you. Can you please share this with the rest of the cast and crew.
Productions 
In June 2007 Original Scripts brought a truly unique piece of Theatre to Canterbury. Our Adult class’s 2007 mid year production was an amazing historical piece. It was the story of two young Christchurch men who invented, designed and raced a revolutionary race car in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The car was named the Continental Special and it was designed and built by Garry Mulholland and Tyrell Turtill. The car was revolutionary in so many ways, from the fact that it had a rear mounted 7 litre Continental Special Aero engine (the same sort of engine as used in Cessna planes) through to the design of the suspension and the processes they used in building the parts. They raced the car successfully at various racetracks, including Ruapuna and Wigram, from 1968 until they were both tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in February 1971. “The Continental Special : The Car that flew” is their story and is written by Garry Mulholland’s Sister – Canterbury Playwright Wendy Steeds. Original Scripts was also been blessed by input from internationally acclaimed singer and comedian Judy Glen, Tyrell’s sister. But the family connections do not end there. Both Garry’s youngest son and Wendy Steeds grandson performed in the play with Wendy's Grandson (Sam Steeds) playing the part of Garry. 