Synopsis

The viability of a small town New Zealand District Court is being considered by the Ministry of Justice. The local Judge, a slightly eccentric character, known as JESUS, for reasons that will become apparent, battles with a humourless ministry official to keep the Court open, and is supported in that endeavour by two lawyers, a criminal, and the Court Registrar.

Meanwhile, lawyer Anna Pearce is trying to become a partner of her male dominated law firm, and registrar Natalie is infatuated with another lawyer, but can't figure out how to get his attention.

The Author

Author Tim Hambleton is a prosecutor employed by the New Zealand Police as a prosecutor, living and working in Dunedin. He has written several plays based on his day job; his first full length play A Law Unto Themselves was based on his experience as a lawyer in a small town, was performed by the Invercargill Repertory Society in 2000, and later by the Methven Theatre Company.

His second play Heaven Help Us! premiered with a sell out season in Clyde, Central Otago in 2010 and has gone on to be produced ten further times around New Zealand in both main centres and provincial areas. Holding Court and Thick as Thieves are full length plays which have been performed in Christchuch, Oamaru and Timaru.

Tim has also written a number of 10 minute comedies. The Reunion, The Police Interview, and Crosswords have been finalists in national competitions. Tim lives in Dunedin with his wife and two children.