Actor lauds hero's accolade

Tim Balme has thanked his Otumoetai College teacher Bob Addison, pictured below, for steering him into a life on the stage. He is pictured in the theatre now named after his mentor. Photo / John Borren

Actor Tim Balme says he would never have trodden the boards of a stage without the guidance and insistence of his Otumoetai College teacher.

Mr Balme acknowledged his mentor at the renaming ceremony of Baycourt's main auditorium in honour of the late Bob Addison.

Addison Theatre has replaced the name of Centennial Theatre and is recognition for the lifetime of achievement Mr Addison brought to the performing arts as a singer, director and producer.

He died on August 26, 2008 from cancer, a year after being awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his contribution to education, music, the arts and local government. Mr Balme was a student of Mr Addison's in the 1980s and credited him for the career path he had taken.

"It's because of Bob I've had the career path I've had. I have no idea what I'd be doing if it wasn't for him. I guess it will always be a mystery," he said. "Back in 1981 he got me involved in his annual drama productions and I did them every year after that."

Mr Balme spoke fondly of Mr Addison at the event last night, having made the trip to Tauranga especially to acknowledge his old teacher. "Bob was my mentor so I will always down tools for anything that acknowledges or honours him."

It was Mr Addison's passion and enthusiasm that inspired him and his classmates, Mr Balme said. "Because Bob's passion for music and theatre was so encompassing. It was infectious ..."

Following his years at school, Mr Balme went on to acting school before touring theatre shows around New Zealand.

"I would always bring my shows back here to Baycourt ... Bob would be supportive. And critical."

Mr Addison's contribution to Tauranga theatre was recognised by the renaming of the theatre. "Baycourt is one of the great theatres on the national circuit. His name being associated with the theatre is perfect. There's no better name for it."

Mr Balme shared lessons he learned from Mr Addison, reading the Ten Commandments of Theatre to last night's crowd as well as the Otumoetai College Guys and Dolls cast shortly before they went on stage.

Tim Balme in his best known roles

*Greg Feeney on Shortland Street
*Ken Wilder on Mercy Peak
*Quentin on Outrageous Fortune
*Jules on Nothing Trivial
*Mike Johnson on The Almighty Johnsons