Michael Hurst Now
@michaelhurstnow.bsky.social
All about NZ acting/directing couple Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand. I share the news they send me. Follow to be in the know!
Jennifer was recently on 1 News NZ talking about the threat to artists' careers from the unethical use of AI.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/27/a...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/27/a...
Acclaimed Kiwi actor at forefront of effort to protect artists from AI
Jennifer Ward-Lealand told 1News reporter Simon Mercep how she's fighting for actors' rights.
www.1news.co.nz
December 28, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Jennifer was recently on 1 News NZ talking about the threat to artists' careers from the unethical use of AI.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/27/a...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/27/a...
BIRTHRIGHT has been named one of the 10 best Australian films of 2025 by @screenhub.bsky.social:
www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
It continues its festival journey at Perth Festival on 27 February 2026. Info/book: www.perthfestival.com.au/.../season-2...
www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
It continues its festival journey at Perth Festival on 27 February 2026. Info/book: www.perthfestival.com.au/.../season-2...
December 17, 2025 at 8:19 PM
BIRTHRIGHT has been named one of the 10 best Australian films of 2025 by @screenhub.bsky.social:
www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
It continues its festival journey at Perth Festival on 27 February 2026. Info/book: www.perthfestival.com.au/.../season-2...
www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
It continues its festival journey at Perth Festival on 27 February 2026. Info/book: www.perthfestival.com.au/.../season-2...
At last! Season 5 of MY LIFE IS MURDER will premiere 5 January on @acorntv.bsky.social in the US, Canada, and UK. Episodes will be released weekly.
Michael directed the 2 episode season finale.
www.vitalthrills.com/my-life-is-m...
Michael directed the 2 episode season finale.
www.vitalthrills.com/my-life-is-m...
My Life Is Murder Season 5 Premiere Date and Trailer Unveiled
MC Networks' Acorn TV today announced that the popular crime drama My Life Is Murder is returning for its fifth season on Monday, January 5.
www.vitalthrills.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:31 PM
At last! Season 5 of MY LIFE IS MURDER will premiere 5 January on @acorntv.bsky.social in the US, Canada, and UK. Episodes will be released weekly.
Michael directed the 2 episode season finale.
www.vitalthrills.com/my-life-is-m...
Michael directed the 2 episode season finale.
www.vitalthrills.com/my-life-is-m...
Australia! You can watch SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR tonight from 6pm AEDT on Stan (while it's the wee small hours in the US). And NZ, it will be available on ThreeNow beginning tomorrow. The show has a 100% fresh critics' rating on @rottentomatoes.com.
Michael directed episode 3.
Michael directed episode 3.
December 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Australia! You can watch SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR tonight from 6pm AEDT on Stan (while it's the wee small hours in the US). And NZ, it will be available on ThreeNow beginning tomorrow. The show has a 100% fresh critics' rating on @rottentomatoes.com.
Michael directed episode 3.
Michael directed episode 3.
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR debuts 5 December on STARZ. Michael directed ep 3.
Variety review: "… dynamic follow-up to the previous chapters. A classic tale of the haves and have-nots in ancient Rome, where power means everything, DeKnight’s world is as enticing as ever".
variety.com/2025/tv/revi...
Variety review: "… dynamic follow-up to the previous chapters. A classic tale of the haves and have-nots in ancient Rome, where power means everything, DeKnight’s world is as enticing as ever".
variety.com/2025/tv/revi...
Starz’s ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Is a Thrilling Sequel For the Blood-Filled Gladiator Franchise: TV Review
In Starz's new sequel series, former gladiator turned traitor, Ashur, gets a new chance in life, but maintaing his newound status is quite challenging.
variety.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:04 PM
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR debuts 5 December on STARZ. Michael directed ep 3.
Variety review: "… dynamic follow-up to the previous chapters. A classic tale of the haves and have-nots in ancient Rome, where power means everything, DeKnight’s world is as enticing as ever".
variety.com/2025/tv/revi...
Variety review: "… dynamic follow-up to the previous chapters. A classic tale of the haves and have-nots in ancient Rome, where power means everything, DeKnight’s world is as enticing as ever".
variety.com/2025/tv/revi...
Filming of web series FEELINGS CLUB begins soon. Michael will be plahing Headmaster Sutherland.
"Feelings Club is a rebellious little drama-comedy short-form web series set in the most intense school in Aotearoa ... where a secret student support group becomes the only place to be real"
"Feelings Club is a rebellious little drama-comedy short-form web series set in the most intense school in Aotearoa ... where a secret student support group becomes the only place to be real"
November 27, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Filming of web series FEELINGS CLUB begins soon. Michael will be plahing Headmaster Sutherland.
"Feelings Club is a rebellious little drama-comedy short-form web series set in the most intense school in Aotearoa ... where a secret student support group becomes the only place to be real"
"Feelings Club is a rebellious little drama-comedy short-form web series set in the most intense school in Aotearoa ... where a secret student support group becomes the only place to be real"
Jennifer attended the NZ Screen Awards last night. She is pictured here on the red carpet: www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifesty...
Jennifer had a recurring role on tv series DOUBLE PARKED, which received several awards (for acting and directing).
Jennifer had a recurring role on tv series DOUBLE PARKED, which received several awards (for acting and directing).
NZ Screen Awards 2025: What the stars wore on the red carpet
Celebrities put their best foot forward at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre as the NZ Screen Awards rolled out a night of glamour, anticipation, and celebration of Aotearoa's finest on-screen talent.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Jennifer attended the NZ Screen Awards last night. She is pictured here on the red carpet: www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifesty...
Jennifer had a recurring role on tv series DOUBLE PARKED, which received several awards (for acting and directing).
Jennifer had a recurring role on tv series DOUBLE PARKED, which received several awards (for acting and directing).
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR
Ashur was killed in the original series; how can he be back now? Watch the teaser to find out.
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR has its two-episode Starz premiere on December 5 on @STARZ. Michael directed episode 3.
deadline.com/2025/11/spar...
Ashur was killed in the original series; how can he be back now? Watch the teaser to find out.
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR has its two-episode Starz premiere on December 5 on @STARZ. Michael directed episode 3.
deadline.com/2025/11/spar...
‘Spartacus: House Of Ashur’ Clip Reveals Lucy Lawless’ History-Changing Return; Steven S. DeKnight Teases The How & Why
'Spartacus: House Of Ashur' Clip Reveals Lucy Lawless' History-Changing Return. Creator Steven S. DeKnight Teases The How & Why in a new interview.
deadline.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:05 PM
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR
Ashur was killed in the original series; how can he be back now? Watch the teaser to find out.
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR has its two-episode Starz premiere on December 5 on @STARZ. Michael directed episode 3.
deadline.com/2025/11/spar...
Ashur was killed in the original series; how can he be back now? Watch the teaser to find out.
SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR has its two-episode Starz premiere on December 5 on @STARZ. Michael directed episode 3.
deadline.com/2025/11/spar...
Jennifer has just returned from the Federation Internationale des Acteurs (FIA) World Congress in Birmingham where she was elected a Vice President of this global organisation that represents 87 performers unions around the world. Congrats, Jennifer!
shownews.co.nz/jennifer-war...
shownews.co.nz/jennifer-war...
Jennifer Ward-Lealand Elected Vice-President of Global Actors’ Federation - ShowNews
Jennifer Ward-Lealand, President of Equity New Zealand, has been elected to the top ranks of the Fédération Internationale des Acteurs (FIA) at the organisation’s World Congress in Birmingham. Ward-Le...
shownews.co.nz
November 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Jennifer has just returned from the Federation Internationale des Acteurs (FIA) World Congress in Birmingham where she was elected a Vice President of this global organisation that represents 87 performers unions around the world. Congrats, Jennifer!
shownews.co.nz/jennifer-war...
shownews.co.nz/jennifer-war...
On Sunday Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa will be guest artists with JUBILATION CHOIR. In this article Anika and Julia describe the experience of doing their music with the choir: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Info/tix: jubilation.co.nz
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Info/tix: jubilation.co.nz
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
The Post
www.thepost.co.nz
November 16, 2025 at 7:32 PM
On Sunday Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa will be guest artists with JUBILATION CHOIR. In this article Anika and Julia describe the experience of doing their music with the choir: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Info/tix: jubilation.co.nz
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Info/tix: jubilation.co.nz
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Reminder: This is happening tomorrow! Don't miss it.
This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
November 12, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Reminder: This is happening tomorrow! Don't miss it.
This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
November 9, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This Friday, folks. Get along to Pitt St Church for VOICES FOR PALESTINE, a fundraiser for Relief Aid Gaza Appeal. Michael is one of a group of entertainers creating a fun evening for a good cause.
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/book: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Michael directed episode 3.
STARZ Unveils Trailer Full of Sex and Slaughter for SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR, Premiering December 5 #Spartacus #STARZ @lionsgate.bsky.social noreruns.net/2025/10/30/s...
October 30, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Michael directed episode 3.
Michael and Jennifer, along with Bret McKenzie and Jamie McCaskill, will star in the Circa Variety Show, a fundraiser for Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
October 27, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Michael and Jennifer, along with Bret McKenzie and Jamie McCaskill, will star in the Circa Variety Show, a fundraiser for Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
30 November at Circa One. Info/book: www.circa.co.nz/package/circ...
The 23 November Jubilation choir performance – featuring guest artists Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa – has sold out. A 3pm matinee has now been added.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
October 21, 2025 at 8:12 PM
The 23 November Jubilation choir performance – featuring guest artists Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika Moa – has sold out. A 3pm matinee has now been added.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Get in quick! www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/31437/J...
Jennifer is a member of Jubilation.
Short film GOOD PEOPLE has its world premier today at Byron Bay Film Festival. It stars Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach, directed by Fernando Hart.
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
October 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Short film GOOD PEOPLE has its world premier today at Byron Bay Film Festival. It stars Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach, directed by Fernando Hart.
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
"A man on the edge is offered refuge by an affluent couple, but their generosity comes at an unimaginable cost".
www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
Then Saturday it will be shown at Adelaide International Film Festival. Info/tix: www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2025...
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
October 15, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Then Saturday it will be shown at Adelaide International Film Festival. Info/tix: www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2025...
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
October 15, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Tomorrow! BIRTHRIGHT is the red-carpet gala opening night film Byron Bay International Film Festival. Tix including after party have sold out, but a few standard tickets available: www.bbff.com.au/openingnight
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
"viciously entertaining"/AFPL Journal
"gut-wrenching hilarious"/Elements of Madness
Michael joins Michèle A’Court, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jeremy Elwood, Liv Tennet, Stephen Papps, Acacia O’Connor and Tough Tiger Fist in a fundraiser for VOICES FOR PALESTINE: "Through performance, comedy, & music, we’ll celebrate humanity & hope"
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
October 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Michael joins Michèle A’Court, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jeremy Elwood, Liv Tennet, Stephen Papps, Acacia O’Connor and Tough Tiger Fist in a fundraiser for VOICES FOR PALESTINE: "Through performance, comedy, & music, we’ll celebrate humanity & hope"
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
Info/tix: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/...
HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS: "It’s framed as a journey through her life and times via her wardrobe … witty yet thought-provoking exploration of how Clark was frequently judged on her appearance rather than her intellect or political acumen."
Gift article: www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener...
Gift article: www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener...
Political theatre: Helen Clark play makes its debut in ATC 2026 season
Auckland Theatre Company also staging Cabaret, Macbeth and Ruth Bader Ginsburg play.
www.nzherald.co.nz
October 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS: "It’s framed as a journey through her life and times via her wardrobe … witty yet thought-provoking exploration of how Clark was frequently judged on her appearance rather than her intellect or political acumen."
Gift article: www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener...
Gift article: www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener...
Subscriptions to Auckland Theatre Company's 2026 season are now open. Jennifer stars in the HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS world premiere: "hilarious new play…retraces the remarkable trajectory of a farm girl…[to] NZ’s first elected female Prime Minister".
Info/subscribe: atc.co.nz/whats-on/202...
Info/subscribe: atc.co.nz/whats-on/202...
Helen Clark in Six Outfits | 7 - 26 Apr 2026 | ASB Waterfront Theatre
Helen Clark in Six Outfits | 7 - 26 Apr 2026 | ASB Waterfront Theatre | She didn't just break the glass ceiling; she ice-axed it. | Jennifer Ward-Lealand | Sophie Roberts | Dan Williams | Filament Ele...
atc.co.nz
October 13, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Subscriptions to Auckland Theatre Company's 2026 season are now open. Jennifer stars in the HELEN CLARK IN SIX OUTFITS world premiere: "hilarious new play…retraces the remarkable trajectory of a farm girl…[to] NZ’s first elected female Prime Minister".
Info/subscribe: atc.co.nz/whats-on/202...
Info/subscribe: atc.co.nz/whats-on/202...
More to see at Byron Bay Film Festival! BIRTHRIGHT is the opening night feature film (17 Oct), but you can also enjoy the world premiere of short film GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Fernando Hart and starring Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach.
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
October 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
More to see at Byron Bay Film Festival! BIRTHRIGHT is the opening night feature film (17 Oct), but you can also enjoy the world premiere of short film GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Fernando Hart and starring Michael, Jennifer, and Toby Leach.
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
19 October; info/book: www.bbff.com.au/short-films/...
Jennifer will be a reader of historical letters from the Turnbull Library. LETTERS OUT LOUD, National Library, 18 October.
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
September 29, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Jennifer will be a reader of historical letters from the Turnbull Library. LETTERS OUT LOUD, National Library, 18 October.
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
"these letters—poignant, funny, & surprising—offer a lively glimpse into the past and its unexpected relevance today."
Info/book: natlib.govt.nz/events/lette...
The original SPARTACUS, which came available again this week, is in the top 10 @netflix.com shows, as people re-watch (or watch for the first time) in preparation for SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR in December.
Michael directed 8 episodes.
movieweb.com/spartacus-st...
Michael directed 8 episodes.
movieweb.com/spartacus-st...
The Original Blood, Sex & Sandals Series Ravages Netflix Ahead of Sequel
Netflix is reaping the rewards for the delay in the highly-anticipated return of this brutal historical epic.
movieweb.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:55 AM
The original SPARTACUS, which came available again this week, is in the top 10 @netflix.com shows, as people re-watch (or watch for the first time) in preparation for SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR in December.
Michael directed 8 episodes.
movieweb.com/spartacus-st...
Michael directed 8 episodes.
movieweb.com/spartacus-st...
Jennifer will be singing with Jubilation choir, along with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika_Moa, in JUBILATION AT THE HOLLYWOOD on 23 November.
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
September 25, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Jennifer will be singing with Jubilation choir, along with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo, and Anika_Moa, in JUBILATION AT THE HOLLYWOOD on 23 November.
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...
Info/book: mailchi.mp/3056e86d1859...