The idea divided the arts world, and many thought it was a waste of funding, but now the opera's been written and is about to hit the stage.
The play was first performed in 1997, now it's hoped its return can help the community "heal".
He was 91.
During the summer of 2019, the British tourists became the stuff of legends.
Director Cassandra Tse's new play hits stages nationwide tomorrow.
"It just reminds me how very lucky we are in New Zealand to be able to perform to you know 2000 people at a time like this."
Some fans have been in line for almost 14 hours at Auckland's Civic.
Sir Roger Hall's latest production, "Winding Up", is currently being performed.
