20 years of Children’s Theatre forTim Bray

MEDIA RELEASE: Monday 28 March 2011

Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch Marks 20 years of Children’s Theatre for Tim Bray

The delightful tales of the Lighthouse Keeper, his wife Mrs Grinling, Hamish the cat and the greedy seagulls comes to life on the stage in the April school holidays.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch is at the PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna from 11-30 April. The stage show is a humorous adaptation of Rhonda and David Armitage’s much-loved series The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tea and The Lighthouse Keeper’s Rescue. The three tales are cleverly blended into one entertaining and funny show.

The play stars four of the five original cast members from the 2006 production of the show; Paul Norrell as Mr Grinling, Madeline Lynch (Snake and Lizards) as Mrs Grinling, Natasya Yusoff (The Twits) and Jonathan Martin.

Jonathan Martin was due to appear in a production at the Court Theatre in Christchurch, however following its cancellation after the recent earthquake, he found himself in Auckland at a loose end. Fortunately for him, just as rehearsals were to commence, another actor pulled out of the show and Jonathan found himself with a job.

Also featuring in The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch is James Kupa – new to Tim Bray Productions, as well as TV3 newsreader Hilary Barry who makes a cameo appearance as herself in a television clip.

Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the play and join an onstage parade to show off their costumes. Additionally, older children are encouraged to make lighthouse models to exhibit in the art exhibition displayed at The PumpHouse, while younger children are encouraged to create a collage of food inspired by the Lighthouse Keeper's lunch basket.

The production marks the 20th birthday of Tim Bray Productions, a theatre company which specialises in presenting professional children’s theatre. Formerly known as The Central Theatre, the company began in 1991 following the closure of The Auckland Youth Theatre. Former student, teacher, director and performer, Tim Bray took over the lease and set up The Central Theatre in honour of actor and drama teacher Mary Amoore’s theatre in Remuera. In 2004 the name of the company was changed.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch is at The PumpHouse, Killarney Park, Takapuna, Auckland from 11-30 April at 10.30am and 1.00pm daily with a special gala opening on Saturday 16 April at 4.00pm. There are no shows on Sundays, Friday 22 April and Easter Monday/ANZAC Day 25 April. To book, phone 09 489 8360 or visit www.pumphouse.co.nz. Generous discounts are available for school and early childhood centre groups. For more information on Tim Bray productions visit www.timbrayproductions.conz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media