Ship Songs draws on Ian Hughes' family history. Photo / John McDermott

Ship Songs draws on Ian Hughes' family history. Photo / John McDermott

Actor Ian Hughes always knew his parents, Gabrielle and Bob, were adventurous types. They emigrated from Canada to New Zealand in the 1970s and now, in their 70s, have embarked on a whole new venture running a flower farm - complete with three grumpy donkeys - south of Auckland.

But Hughes, 38, had no idea just how daring they were until around five years ago when, at a family gathering, his mother "let slip" the story of how they got engaged after just two dates and four days.

As soon as he heard the tale, Hughes knew its blend of high seas adventure and romance would make it the perfect story on which to base a play.

The result is Ship Songs, a solo show which combines traditional storytelling, original sea shanties from award-winning musician Don McGlashan and futuristic digital animation.

Ship Songs features three stories spanning several centuries: Hughes' mother's voyage from England to Canada in the 1960s; an Irish convict who jumps ship in New Zealand in the 1790s; and the legendary Chinese mariner Zheng He, who voyaged across the Indian Ocean from 1405-1433.

The disparate characters are united by their willingness to throw caution to the winds in pursuit of adventure.

The show is something of a new adventure for the Auckland Theatre Company, too.

For the first time, the company will tour the production around Auckland's suburban theatres.

Smaller and more intimate venues in areas which are already home to large numbers of ATC subscribers have been picked. If all goes well, the ATC may repeat the venture with other shows.

"I want people to have a nice night out, see a great play and then it's almost like I am giving them homework to do," says Hughes, best known for his work on Shortland Street, Topless Women Talk About Their Lives and the play Bare.

"I want them to think about their family and their history and the ship stories they may have. We are awfully quick to forget about the past."

Ship Songs developed last year out of a week-long Auckland Theatre Company master class led by Australian theatre director John Bolton.

Twelve mid-career actors, Hughes included, were asked to come along with an idea which could be developed into a one-person show.