on Edinburgh

tion, the Alone team first has the challenge of getting to Edinburgh.

The logistics are worked out, with a set that can be folded down into a suitcase. But the finances for travel and expenses aren’t yet arranged, so Thornborough has launched an online campaign on the Boosted arts-crowdfunding platform to help out.

“Everyone is doing it tough at the moment. It’s an awful position to be in, asking for money, but we have to,” he says.

Thornborough may have to make the ultimate artistic sacrifice if fundraising and grant applications don’t come through with all of the $20,000 he is seeking – sending his actors but forgoing the trip himself..

But it’s the teamwork that makes things click, he says, and he would love to be there – at least partly to do some networking in between packing sets in and out.

He is counting down to the end of his Boosted campaign on 28 May, with fingers crossed. “I’m not getting much sleep at the moment.”

He still rises early, however, to continue his daily morning walks up both Takarunga and Maungauika to kickstart his creativity.

Having lived at various addresses in the area for more than a decade – dating back to his student days at the University of Auckland, where he studied film and English – he loves the locale.

And after being involved in some memorable campaigns, including Leave No Trace videos shown on Air New Zealand and Like Minds clips for the Ministry of Social Development, he these days enjoys the flexibility of freelance work.

“I’m often pottering around cafés and the library, writing,” he says.

• By early this week, the campaign to get Alone to Edinburgh had raised close to $6000. To donate, go to boosted.org.nz

The Way We Get By

19-27 MAY

An audacious tale of a very modern romance

Taylor Swift Tribute

9 JUNE, 7.30pm

An acoustic instrumental concert featuring a string quartet and piano

Hits of the Crooners

10 JUNE, 7.30pm

A tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby & Michael Bublé

PH: 489 8360

PUMPHOUSE.CO.NZ

Lure of the Fringe... Luke Thornborough has his sights set on Edinburgh’s famed festival