Jackson Burling’s ‘Over and Out’ gears up for Pōneke encore performance
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Jackson Burling - a stage and screen actor based in Pōneke - is the writer and performer of the award-winning verbatim theatre show Over and Out. The show received 10 nominations at the 2025 Wellington Theatre Awards, including those for Production of the Year and New Aotearoa Play of the Year, and winning both Actor of the Year and Most Promising Newcomer.
Over and Out is a solo show about an interview Burling had with a truck driver. After growing up in a family of truck drivers, and spending a gruelling few years in the arts industry, he found himself circling back to the question he had been avoiding for years: Should I have become a truck driver?
As part of The Post’s Cosy Arts Club series, we asked Burling what winter looks like to him - the rituals, comforts and small joys that shape the colder months…
Do you have a winter project you are working on?
Taking Over and Out on the road (pun) is what this winter will involve for me. Putting it back on for one night in Pōneke on May 30 at the Hannah Playhouse, then taking it to the big smoke - Tāmaki Makaurau - from August 4-8 at Q Theatre. I’m absolutely buzzing to continue sharing this story with more people!
What film, series, or comfort watch gets you through the darkest weeks?
I always return to The Office series (both US and UK). It’s just the best thing ever. It’s very low stimulating, yet so hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. I love the idea of turning the mundane into mayhem - and this show captures this perfectly. And for whatever reason, I get a real kick out of awkward, cringe, dry comedy that makes me want to curl up into a ball.
Do you have a winter soundtrack -- an album, artist, or song that feels right when the temperature drops?
I’m a huge fan of the Kiwi band Mild Orange, and their album Looking For Space holds a special place in my heart. The album is so dreamy and soft - the perfect album to play during the cosy cold days. I’m also big on supporting local music, as there seems to be this extra layer of feeling proud when listening to music that is made by New Zealanders. If you’re feeling brave to listen to a new song today, This Kinda Day is an absolute banger.
What’s your favourite winter activity when you’re not working?
Gaming. I often look forward to nights where I jump on Discord with my mates, some who live in different towns, and forget about the world. We laugh until we can’t keep our eyes open any more. In particular, playing Rocket League is a hilariously fun game that sparks moments of chaos and rage that I didn’t know I had inside me.
Does winter change your creative process?
For me, I think I thrive creatively in the making side of things in the winter. I feel less guilty or inclined to go outside, and more glued to my seat while I think, write, or learn lines. I think I prefer the doing side of things when it’s warmer. I feel people want to leave their house to attend a show when it’s warmer, so I should match them and be performing during these times.
What’s your ultimate winter comfort food or drink?
Recently, I have been an absolute freak for an oat flat white and almond croissant from Shelly Bay Baker along Oriental Pde in Wellington. Some days it’s a bit of a chilly walk from Mount Victoria, but it almost feels like I have earned it by the time I arrive at the cafe. I also park up inside and begin my first challenge of the day: the Minute Cryptic, the New York Times’ Connections and Wordle.
Over and Out by Jackson Burling, directed by Simon Leary, produced by Believable Arts Management, Wellington’s Hannah, May 30. Tickets: hannahplayhouse.org.nz