"This is the longest show I've ever rehearsed in my life."
Run by New Plymouth District Council and built in 1925, about 52,000 people visit the former New Plymouth Opera House each year to see comedy, musicals, plays, classical concerts and more.
When David first started in 2006, the small Showplace team ran about 90 events a year. Now it's close to 300.
He says they've branched out to cover meetings, conferences, product demonstrations, and just catered two 300-guest dinners.
David says the extra activity has come from word of mouth, marketing and building relationships with promoters.
"We've got an excellent reputation nationwide in delivering what we promise to a high standard."
He says they also reinvest into the venue so each time clients come through they can see something's been improved. In 1998, the building was renovated and extended, and in 2013 underwent extensive earthquake strengthening.
Day to day, David's busy making sure the Showplace keeps humming, dealing with everything from maintenance and technical upkeep through to supporting the team putting programmes together.
"Every event, performance and meeting is unique and everybody has a different vision for what they want, with different challenges," he says. "I love it, it's a passion, not a job, it's a hobby."
He's been able to weave one hobby into another, appearing in 16 shows with New Plymouth Operatic since 1987, and he draws on that understanding to meet the demands of the ever-changing events and entertainment landscape.
While he's quick to give due credit to the talented TSB Showplace team, David's in-depth industry knowledge and experience on stage and behind the scenes have played a huge part in the venue's reputation for excellence. And that's pretty wicked.
The Details:
What: New Plymouth Operatic Society presents Wicked the Musical
When: June 17-July 3. New shows added for Tuesday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 29 Where: TSB Showplace, New Plymouth
Tickets: Available from Ticketek
