If you've been to one of Tim Bray's productions in the past three years, you'll have seen the work of prolific costume designer Chantelle Gerrard.
True to form, the Devonport costumier is burning the midnight oil for the upcoming production of The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate.
Directed by Amanda Rees, with songs by Christine White, the show stars Denise Snoad and Sam Berkley, supported by Julian Wilson and Courtney Chittenden. TV newsreader Simon Dallow makes a cameo appearance.
Bray, who has adapted Margaret Mahy's story for the stage, says: "The costumes Chantelle makes always receive rave reviews." He says he's extremely grateful for "the hard work she puts in and the amazing costumes she comes up with on meagre budgets".
Gerrard has been making, sourcing and designing costumes since 1999.
"No one ever taught me to make anything but, if I look at a picture or how a garment has been constructed, I can make it," she says.
Also a singer and actor, Gerrard veered off into specialising in costumes because the work fits in with her other, full-time job. "It's something I can do at 4am in the morning."
"I admire that he [Bray] makes next to nothing from these productions. He does it to give kids a great time. He's someone I'd go the extra mile for."
The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate, The PumpHouse, Takapuna, Apr 6-17, 10.30am and 1pm daily except Sundays. Tickets: ph 489 8360 or see www.pumphouse.co.nz
Ahoy, me mateys!
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