Tim Raby says he can sense children's excitement when he takes the stage as Santa. Photo / Supplied
Children's theatre might be what Tim Bray Productions is all about but the company - poised to stage its annual Christmas show - is growing up fast.
This year, around 20,000 people have attended its shows, meaning audience numbers are up by more than 50 per cent. Additionally,
the company toured its production of Pippi Longstocking to venues around Auckland and, buoyed by the success, is considering further tours next year.
Founder-director Tim Bray says the growth means being more organised than ever to ensure audience expectations continue to be met. The company has introduced the option of subscription season-style booking for next year's shows which include for the first time a full scale pantomime production.
Roger Hall's Cinderella will be performed in November but the company has three other productions ahead of the panto. In April, it brings Beatrix Potter's classic tales of Peter Rabbit to life followed by a season of The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling in July, and Joy Cowley's story Snake and Lizard in September and October.
As usual, the company will round out this year with its annual festive production, The Santa Claus Show. It opens this weekend with Tim Raby back for a fifth season as Santa. Raby says he never tires of the role because it delights young theatregoers and brings back memories of his own childhood.
"As a boy, I loved Santa and was always thrilled when I wrote to him and received a letter back," says Raby, 44.
"I love being able to bring a little of the magic I experienced as a child into the lives of children today. There is a build-up to Santa's entrance in the show and when you walk on stage, you can feel the children's excitement."
Bray refreshes The Santa Claus Show's script and music each year, but the basic story remains the same - Kelly (Louise Harris) and Alana (Te Kaea Beri) are best friends but Kelly, fixated on the presents, seems to be lacking the Christmas spirit. Helped by Elfie (Sam Berkley), Santa flies Kelly to the North Pole so she can learn for herself the true meaning of Christmas.
Performance
What: The Santa Claus Show
Where and when: PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, Dec 8-23
